Foothills Karate teaches self-defense and self-restraint
The legendary screen rampages of the ninja warrior make an impressive sweep at the box office but the reality is quite a different story for those who teach the true purpose of karate, according to a karate school owner.
Tenchi Dojo, 11831 S. Fortuna Road, teaches not only the Okinawa style of karate but also jujitsu and tai chi.
Nathan Bratcher, the owner and principal instructor, said he teaches the skill as an art rather than a sport. Bratcher said most of his students approach the discipline with a realistic view.
“Some still think it’s like the Power Rangers. Some of the younger kids like to learn for the acrobatics but it’s really about developing yourself as a better person.”
The true purpose of karate is to develop the mind, body and spirit, according to Bratcher. By disciplining those functions in a harmonious manner, a person is more able to take on daily challenges.
“Some of my kids face bullies every day and have a lot of peer pressure. They may not be the most popular, but karate helps them build confidence - whatever task is put in front of them, test, science project or sports.”
Progressing from white to black belt usually requires six years of training, but a minimum of six months to a year is needed to gain a solid foundation, Bratcher said.
“I’d say 40 percent of students are there to learn self-defense and the rest are there to develop discipline, respect and focus. Karate is one of the few disciplines that use both sides of the brain. The left brain, analytical, and the right brain, intuitive. Karate brings those two into balance.”
Some of those students start instruction with chronic pain or behavioral problems. But in the process of learning karate, many find that shoulder, knee or lower back pain disappears.
Tags: powerrangers