The art of ‘karate’ which was seen in Japan sometime in 1916-17, during a Public demo in Kyoto by Funakoshi Gichin, saw its rapid development later. When the Olympic Games were held in Tokyo in 1964, the four main schools, and smaller karate groups decided to amalgamate into a national federation. In 1972, the Japan KarateDo Federation (JKF) affiliated with Japan Sports Association (JASA), and became as event in the prestigious National Sports Meet (Kokutai) from 1976. It may also be recalled that in September 2015, karate was shortlisted along with baseball, softball, skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing, so as to be considered for inclusion in the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Today, Karate is one of the most popularly practiced martial arts in India. Its popularity increased in 1980s, with many dojos first established in major cities. Now, looking at the widespread network of Karate classes held all over India, magzmumbai spoke to Milan Trivedi the Chief Instructor of Japan Karate Association of India, who has been practising Karate for the past 44 years. Today, at 56 Milan is equally active, as he used to be 10-15 years ago, training 3500 students all over India.
“ Karate is not for everybody and everybody is not for Karate,” that’s how Milan begins explaining philosophically about this martial art. “We want to give education of Karate especially to school children right from the age of 6 years, as it helps build discipline and persona in an individual,” he adds. When asked, as to how the practice of Karate would help in other games, Milan gave his own example. “While I was practicing Karate regularly, I stated playing the game of Tennis and in the very third session of tennis, I could play the game with proper reflexes, surprising those who played against me. They couldn’t believe that it was only my third session of tennis.” So, all those into other sports should take note of what Milan experienced about enhancing the performance in other sports too, with Karate training.
Talking about the scientific activity of Karate , Milan says, “Karate is based on mathematics and Physics . It’s all about how to multiply and how to subtract, relating specially to your muscles and joints .” Not many are aware that Good stretching and flexibility are key in martial arts. In Karate you use gentle and gradual stretching to slowly increase joint range of motion and lengthen muscles. In short, this Martial arts always emphasizes on correct form and posture, reducing the strain on your joints.
Milan is very much against of making changes in the original art or form of Karate. “Don’t make it entertaining for the spectators, as the seriousness of the original form of martial arts will be lost,” he says. We are all aware about the importance of Karate for self defence and therefore more and more little girls are coming forward for training into this activity. Today, training in karate has become a necessity to face the challenges of tomorrow. Through his JKA India, Milan is always available for guidance to many schools, institutions and Gymkhanas. If you visit the website www.jkaindia.com you will find all the information about his organisation and branches .