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Mandate
The goal of the Saskatchewan Karate Association is to promote and facilitate the development of traditional karate as a Martial Art and as a Sport throughout the Province by encouraging participation from as diverse an area and population as is possible; standardizing and supervising the quality of karate instruction throughout the province, instruction of "karate-do" (the karate way); examination and registration of student ranking and other technical qualifications; sponsoring seminars and other events; developing qualified coaches, instructors and officials; cooperating with organizations for development of karate; such other activities as may assist in achieving the above goal.

What is Karate?

Modern Karate traces its origins to ancient buddist monks who applied their techniques of mental discipline to their need for physical exercise and protection from marauding thieves. As a result, they developed a potent means of unarmed self-defense which spread throughout the orient. When it reached Japan it merged with the concept of "Budo" (a form of self-realization) to become a martial art; it was systemized, and the term "Karate" (which means empty hand) was given to describe it.

Due to its increasing popularity, the entertainment industry has loosely applied the term "karate" to describe nearly any display of unarmed combat. Karate is great if you are wanting to learn self defense but it is also much nore than that. In reality traditional karate is not a vicious form of fighting, but rather a marital art steeped in culture, dignity and high ethical standards. Under proper training students of karate develop these attributes as they develop their bodies. Because karate concentrates as much on mental conditioning as it does on physical condition, experienced students find it increases their ability to achieve other goals in their personal lives.

Is it self defense? A sport? A leisure time activity? Exercise? A style of fighting? A philosophy? A way of life? An art? Karate is all of these. For those who aspire and reach the upper ranks, karate becomes part of their lives, their thoughts and their actions. For those not familiar with karate it seems simple, yet its intricacies and demands for precision make it complex. It appears violent, yet shuns violence. Its physical requirements can be strenuous, yet success is based to a large degree on mental preparedness. See for yourself what karate is all about and how it prepares you for the many life challenges you are faced with everyday. Call the Saskatchewan Karate Association to see how you can join the ranks.