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Introduction to Karate

Funding for this video clip series has been provided by:

Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center

Martial Arts is a term that encompasses Karate, Judo, Tai-Chi, and Taekwondo, to name a few. Karate, one of the oldest types of Martial Arts, focuses on both physical and mental power. It combines smooth, flowing movements with sudden kicks and strikes. Karate covers a broad spectrum of self-defense, and is practiced by men, women, and children of all ages and abilities. People practicing karate do not have to have full use of his/her limbs, and it can be practiced from a sitting position or even from the floor. Karate only requires some ability to move, a desire to learn, and a commitment to hard work.

NOTE: RealPlayer is required to view each videoclip.
Click here to watch the start of an adapted martial arts class.	Click here to watch participants in an adapted martial arts class do warm-up exercises.	Click here to watch compiled video footage of an adapted martial arts class for youth.

Martial Arts has gained popularity and is growing rapidly among individuals with disabilities. As new opportunities arise and as instructors are educated to work with this population, adapted martial arts programs are being introduced in many communities across the world. Wheelchair karate, which is a fairly new sport, was introduced at the 1992 Paralympics Games and is continuing to grow as a sport.

There are not many local programs that specifically cater to individuals with disabilities. This is because there are so few adaptations needed to allow a person with a disability to participate in karate. Most martial arts programs will readily welcome individuals of any ability level to participate.

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This fact sheet was last updated on 02-27-2007.