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Karate-do means "the way of the empty hand," and this meaning is significant in several respects. First, in karate, we train without weapons and, thus, with empty (kara) hands (te). Second, empty or kara also refers to an ideal mental state in which the mind is cleared of desires, anxieties, fears, concerns, preoccupations, and distractions, and is focused entirely in a complete and pure awareness. And, third, do or way emphasizes the spiritual and intellectual nature of what we do. Karate is not just about fighting techniques and physical conditioning, but spiritual and intellectual training and discipline as well. As Sensei Hidetaka Abe says, "Karate is a way of life." back to top Students of all styles of karate are encouraged to join and participate in the club. Beginners are also encouraged to try the club out. Regular training at Cal consists of the learning and practicing of basic techniques (punches, kicks, blocks, and guards), kata (prearranged sequences of offensive and defensive techniques), kihon kumite (prearranged sparring forms), and jiyu kumite (free sparring). The UC Karate Club is open both to male and female students, faculty, employees of the University of California as well as the community in general. It is the oldest karate organization on campus and was founded in 1965 by a group of students to provide high-quality instruction and training at UC. back to top The UC Berkeley Karate Club was founded in 1965 by a group of students. In 1967 Sensei Hidetaka Abe came to UC Berkeley and took over the role of Head Instructor, a position he still holds to this day. back to top The UC Berkeley Karate Club practices what is called "point-sparring" or light-contact sparring. Hand guards are required, but jock-straps for men, chest-protectors for women, and mouth pieces are optional. No contact to the head is allowed, but light contact to the body is. If you are tentative about sparring, the instructors will assist you in any way possible to make you feel comfortable. Injuries during sparring rarely occur because of the controlled nature of the exercises, by both partners and the instructors. back to top Members of the UC Berkeley Karate Club regularly participate in local tournaments, occasionally participating in international ones. Members have done very well in tournaments in both kata and free-sparring; placing in the top three is not uncommon. back to top The most up-to-date information about registering for the UC Berkeley Karate Club can be found here. If you have any questions, please come talk to an instructor or a senior member. The latest prices per semester (typically 14-16 weeks) are $120 for UCB students, $170 for UCB faculty, staff, or alumni, and $220 for community members. There are additional discounts if you fall into certain categories. Scholarships may be arranged for those who have financial hardships. back to top For more information about the UC Berkeley Karate Club, please email karate@karate.berkeley.edu or one of the contacts listed on the contacts page. back to top |