How to Learn Karate Online

Although you'll learn any physical discipline best with an instructor to guide you, many people have learned martial arts such as karate online. To do so, you'll need as much discipline and dedication you would through formal classes. With the right website, tutorials and training videos, any motivated student can learn the basics of karate online.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer with Internet access
  • Loose-fitting clothing for practice
  • Printer or paper and pen for note-taking
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a good website. Choose one that offers a combination of narrative, pictures and video. This will provide you with maximum resources for learning karate online. Ensure that the site teaches the style of karate you wish to learn and that a reputable sensei (teacher) teaches the course. Sign up for any newsletters, e-zines or bonus material offered to ensure you have as much information as possible.

    • 2

      Take notes or print copies of relevant material (respecting any copyrights in place) while reviewing each lesson. Keep your notes handy while away from the computer so you can review, memorize and practice what you have learned before moving on to the next lesson. Study your hard copies of each lesson, learning the terminology, techniques and philosophy between computer sessions. Sensei Terry Lyon, Fifth Dan instructor of traditional goju-ryu karate, suggests learning the history, techniques, specialties and practical applications when learning karate online.

    • 3

      Learn the language. According to Katherine Thiry, director of the USA National Karate-Do Federation Technical Council, Japanese is the official language of karate. While slight variations may occur from one system of karate to another, all forms follow a standardized basic terminology. Memorize the basic terms for the techniques you learn online to make the learning process less confusing.

    • 4

      Practice techniques and forms. As with any martial art, you need to learn karate both on the intellectual and physical levels. If space permits near your computer, practice karate techniques along with website tutorials. If not, visually memorize the technique, practice it, then review the online tutorials during your next computer session to determine where you need to improve. Alternatively, consider purchasing instructional DVDs to complement your online training.

    • 5

      Join forums. In the dojo (gym), students of all levels learn together. Beginners benefit from seeing advanced students performing techniques correctly. Advanced students reinforce their understanding of basic principles through demonstrating and explaining them to newcomers. Many online karate websites offer forums in which subscribers can post questions and benefit from the knowledge of those who have studied longer. Become part of the community and benefit from the varied perspectives of other members.

    • 6

      Practice katas daily. A kata (Japanese for "form") is a set of choreographed movements consisting of blocks, strikes and kicks. In the dojo, the instructor sometimes tells students to envision the presence of an attacker whose approach necessitates the defensive motions included in the kata. Practicing kata trains both body and mind in proper execution of techniques---an especially important element for the online student, who has no sparring partner with whom to practice.