Karate Belts: How Babu Owino Has Been Improving Fighting Skills [VIDEO]

If Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino is not the vocal Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) politician making fiery statements that have generated conversation across the country, he is shaping up his fighting skills through karate.

Karate, Japanese for 'empty hand', is an unarmed martial arts discipline employing kicking, striking, and defensive blocking with arms and legs. Emphasis is on concentrating as much of the body’s power as possible at the point and instant of impact.

Striking surfaces include the hands (particularly the knuckles and the outer edge), ball of the foot, heel, forearm, knee, and elbow. All are toughened by practice blows against padded surfaces or wood.

Pine boards up to several inches in thickness can be broken by the bare hand or foot of an expert. Timing, tactics, and spirit, however, are each considered at least as important as physical toughening.

On Saturday, September 30, Owino celebrated his graduation from being a white belt karateka to the blue belt level.

Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino in action during a special karate competition held at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani Stadium on September 30, 2023. /BABU OWINO

"Today we held a successful Karate Tournament at Kasarani Stadium. The event brought participants from all the 47 counties. I graded from White Belt to Blue Belt.

"It’s not about being the best, it’s about being better than you were yesterday," he stated on Facebook.

Babu Owino is the patron of the World Authority Traditional Karate Association of Kenya (WATKA) led by Engineer Richard Binga, which is in charge of empowering karate fighting skills among budding martial artists in the country.

During the event, the lawmaker showcased the moves he had trained and expressed joy in advancing his skills.

"I came here for grading and it's only that I cannot take Hassan Mandonga's famous line ‘Sugunyo' because it is his and he is also a boxer not a Karataker like me. From white belt I have now been promoted to blue belt." said Babu.

He left spectators in awe as he showcased his impressive Karate skills in the competition which involved the demonstration of dedication to discipline and the ability to rise to challenges.

Going from a white belt to a blue belt is a significant achievement for Babu, which means that he is no longer an amateur but an advanced-level karateka.

A blue belt follows the green belt where the student goes deeper into the understanding of karate.

Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino bows during a special karate competition held at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani Stadium on September 30, 2023. /BABU OWINO

As you are creating your fighting style with a blue belt; you might become a defensive or offensive-minded person. You can learn to transition from defence to offence in a split second.

Viral Tea takes a look at the ranking system of karate belts:

White Belt (Initiation)

The starting point for all, the white belt symbolizes the beginning of the Karate journey. It denotes a clean slate, indicating a novice ready to absorb the fundamental principles of this martial art.

Coloured Belts (Advancement)

Moving beyond the white belt, practitioners enter a phase of progressive proficiency marked by coloured belts.

Colours may vary across schools but commonly include yellow, orange, green, and blue. Each colour signifies an elevation in skill and a commitment to ongoing learning.

Blue Belt (Maturation)

The blue belt is a pivotal stage where practitioners transition from foundational learning to a nuanced understanding of Karate.

Real sparring is introduced, emphasizing not only physical prowess but also strategic thinking and adaptability.

Brown Belt (Refinement)

Achieving the brown belt denotes a stage of mastery refinement. Practitioners delve into mastering complex techniques and refining the application of Kata, the traditional choreographed patterns of movements.

Black Belt (Culmination)

The black belt is a pinnacle achievement, symbolizing years of disciplined practice and dedication.

It represents a level of mastery where the martial artist not only refines personal skills but also assumes the role of a teacher, guiding others on their Karate journey.

Dan Ranks (Continued Growth)

Beyond the black belt, practitioners enter the dan ranks, indicating continued growth and contribution to the Karate community.

Higher dan ranks reflect a deeper understanding of the art and carry additional responsibilities within the martial arts community.

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