When training outside of the dojo, use these tips to promote your safety and success.
Mastering karate (kata sequences, sparring drills, conditioning) or building your physical and mental stamina includes training outside of the dojo. Whether you’re at home afterschool, on vacation at your grandparents’ home, or vacationing at the beach, there are great ways to do karate or other workout – safely.
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Perform karate on a floor or ground that is flat and has no obstructions, holes, bumps, or elevations. The floor covering can be wood, carpet, linoleum, tile, grass, or pavement as long as you can walk barefoot on it and are willing to lie down on the floor. You will need a space approximately 10 feet by 10 feet square.
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Commit to a period of time like 15, 20, or 30 minutes with little or no interruption. Warm up properly, dress in your gi or comfortable but not overly large pants or shirts. Tell your family members to give you the uninterrupted time to complete the class. Write a sign “Karate training (or personal workout) in session.”
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Workout props to have nearby:
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a chair for balance and support
- stairs or a sturdy wooden step or box
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two sneakers or two pairs of socks rolled up to serve as space markers or cones
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weights like a thick book (1 pound – for a youth <12) or a jug of water (8 pounds – for an adult), resistance bands
- a small ball (tennis ball) to improve hand-eye coordination or a larger ball to pass between your legs or shoot at a stationary target (like a basket)
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- Recovery props to have with you:
- bottle of water – pre-hydrate by drinking 8-16 ounces of water before your workout, take sips (do not chug) during your workout, or re-hydrate after your workout. Even if it’s windy or cool, your body will use water and lose water as a result of movement
- a towel, a clean shirt, or anything to wipe the sweat and keep you going through your workout
- jacket to wear, even over a sweaty warm body so the wind doesn’t chill you or cool you too quickly after a workout, and
- sunscreen if you exercise outdoors EVEN if the day is overcast with clouds. UV rays can and will damage skin after repeated exposures over the years
- sunglasses if needed