How karate is more than just kicks and punches
Seido Karate's Senpai Julie Ah-Fa shares how karate has changed her life and invites more women to join her.
Though she found herself drawn to action-packed films that featured martial arts, Julie Ah-Fa initially thought learning this specific skill herself would be impossible as it seemed very complicated.
Then, 14 years ago, she found herself inspired by her husband’s commitment to getting his black belt promotion at Seido Karate, where they met. Now, years later, she is Senpai Julie and this year she is working towards getting her black belt promotion to get her next dan.
Through the years, this martial art form has deeply enriched her life. “Karate is not only a discipline that will keep you fit. Sure, you’ll build a strong and flexible body because of the hundreds of punches, kicks, blocks, push-ups and sit-ups. You’ll also learn to fight and practise self-defence techniques, but it’s not only that,” she said, adding it encourages one to never give up no matter what varying circumstances might work against them.
Though one cannot deny that this sport is male-dominated, this has not managed to deter her in any way. She attributes fears some women might have towards doing karate to it looking like something difficult to master, especially since there is sparring involved. According to her, this isn’t the case. “Karate is taught in a way that you learn according to what you can absorb, at your own pace. Of course, the instructors will encourage you to push your limits but the goals that we are set are all achievable.”
Senpai Julie explained that in their system, women have equal opportunity to progress and there are quite a few women branch chiefs and their hierarchy consists of quite a few women ‘masters’.
“I would like women to all come and try martial arts. At the dojo, we have a few mums who started because their children loved it and they could see how much it brings into their life. You’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish physically and how resilient you are. You’ll also find out that what you learn at the dojo helps you in society as it will also improve your inner strength.”
