Karate classes in Gracia

Karate is probably the most famous martial art in the world, mainly due to the movies. Who doesn’t remember the contemporary “Karate Kid” sequel? Karate is a combat style that populates humans’ collective memory and, consequently, has been known as THE martial art par excellence. Pardon me, did I say “combat style”? Mr. Myagi would disagree because – like many other traditional martial arts – Karate’s philosophy is a pacifist and non-violent one, teaching its practitioners to fight only in self-defense.

Developed in Japan in the 19th century, Karate was first used at Shaolin temples, in Imperial China. From there, Karate has spread all over the world. A great way of learning how to control human primary instincts, this martial art perfects the cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal systems and encourages emotional and mental control. Karate is not considered a sport by its practitioners, but instead it is an art that everyone – at every age – can practice. For those who appreciate this activity, here are some tips on where to practice it in

For those who appreciate this martial art, here are some tips on where to practice it in Gracia.

Arts Marcials Dojo

This dojo aims to be a traditional martial arts school with the modern touch of present times. The karate system taught here is Shorei-kan, created by Seikichi Toguchi, respecting the teachings of his masters Chojun Miyagi and Kanryo Higashionna. This dojo also teaches Daruma Taiso, a set of preparatory exercises with Zen origin, mostly used to reinforce tendons, muscles, and joints, and Kobudo, a combat technique that uses weapons like sticks. The dojo offers a free trial class.

Where: c/ Torrent de les flors, 146.

Related article: Top martial arts and self-defense classes in the city.

Gimnàs Marin

Founded in 1954, this club has formed more than one hundred black belt students. Among other martial arts, here you will learn Karate-do style. At Gimnás Marin, teachers see Karate as a tool for personal development with a purely human and social purpose. With this in mind they teach and recommend meditation along with karate practice, so the practitioner learns how to control his mind.

Where: C/ Legalitat, 17.

Mutokukan

At Mutokukan, Didac Arcas teaches traditional Shotokan style, a system based on a strong but low positioning with wide attack techniques. During this practice, breathing control is valued and taught to reinforce mental and physical dominance, as well as rhythmic changes during its several movement sequences (katas). Mutokukan karate group is a member of the World Traditional Karate Organization (WTKO).

Where: Carrer de Barcells, 40.

As you can see, Karate is more than a physical activity: it is a way of being, capable of  changing the life of those who dare to try it.

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