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Writer's pictureKing Calisthenics

What Is The Meaning Of ICE In Karate? (Terms Explained for Beginners)

Have you started Karate and want to know what ICE means? Maybe you have heard the phrase but don’t know what it means?


Or maybe you are curious and want to know more about it? No matter what your question might be, we have the answer for you! 


There are so many phrases in Karate that it can be tricky for you to remember them all, and know what they mean! Quickly you can find yourself overwhelmed, unsure of what your instructor is saying or telling you to do.


And the last thing you want is to not understand what is going on! 


Well, no more! Today we are here with the answers that you need. Just keep reading to find out what the meaning of ICE is in Karate and everything else that you need to know! 


What Is Karate?


Before we get into today’s article, let’s have a quick recap for those that need it!

Karate is a combat sport and martial art that uses punches, elbow strikes, open hand techniques, knee strikes, and kicks to strike their opponent or block their strikes. 


Karate’s focus is to develop defensive and counterattacking body movements to defend yourself from your opponent.


Karate is focused on self-defense and mental and moral aspects, that focus on spirituality and improving the mind of the individual. Karate teaches you excellent discipline and commitment, skills that are valuable at any age! 


Since its origin in Japan, Karate has spread across the globe, becoming incredibly popular with all age groups.


You are sure to find a karate instructor near you that can help you learn the basics of karate today! 


Now, there is a lot more to karate, its history, and its benefits than what we have covered today, but this should give you a good overview of what you need to know about karate.

So let’s move on and look closer at ICE and what it means in karate! 


What Is The Meaning Of ICE In Karate?


Let’s get straight into it! In Karate, ICE means Iron Circle Encore. It’s an acronym that comes from the Iron Circle Martial Arts training center, near Los Angeles, California.


The phrase refers to the ICE Urban Combat Martial Arts team which was founded by brothers Brandon and Jared Schmelter. Their goal was a simple one, to bring karate and martial arts to everyone. 


The brothers worked to create their version of street fighting, where private classes have been taught ICE Urban Combat.


Much like Karate, the focus is on defending yourself from attackers to help you feel safer on the streets. The training offers real and life-saving street combat preparation. 


Unlike other martial arts, there aren’t any rules, and it can get quite violent! The classes will help you to prepare for real-world situations, of course, but we recommend that you proceed with caution and always listen to your instructors in class to remain safe. 


So where does ICE come from? Well, the Iron Circle part comes from the name of ICE’s original martial arts center. But the Encore’ part of the phrase was added because of its meaning.


For those that need a little reminder, encore means demand for repetition or reappearance made by an audience.


Think of concerts, when audiences demand an encore’ from performers. After the demand and shouts (see also Why Do People Shout In Karate? [4 Interesting Reasons]), the artist will return and perform another song or two before the show finishes. 


Well, encore works similarly here, as many people asked for more and more centers and training in ICE combat.


So, that’s what the brothers have done! They have given into the encore, and made more training classes and information available!


Now their martial art is a global one that you can access no matter where you are! 


Is ICE Combat Self-Defense?

 

Unlike other martial arts, ICE works differently. Instead of focusing on self-defense, they teach a system of self-offense.


This means that you are not approaching any situation as the victim needing to defend yourself. Why? Its creators think this is an outdated approach that can give your attacker the advantage, and no one wants that! 


Instead, ICE teaches you to attack the attacker. Not only do they help train an attitude where this is possible, but give you the moves and techniques where you can disarm your attacker and remain safe.


The moves are designed not only to be efficient, but destructive too. Instead of blocking strikes as we see in karate and other martial arts, you are taking the upper hand and it will be your opponent that needs to defend themselves. 


The purpose of ICE combat is to protect yourself and others with you. While many martial arts use self-defense to do this, ICE does not.


It is worth strongly considering if this is something you want to pursue before signing up for a class. Consider other martial arts and self-defense options first and learn more about them.

You will want to make an informed decision, so why not spend some time researching the different options available to you.


After all, you don’t want to part with your hard-earned cash and end up in classes and training sessions that you hate!


Final Thoughts


And there you have it! ICE in Karate does not refer to Karate, but ICE combat, a new type of self-offense that uses a mixture of martial arts and street-fighting techniques to help you protect yourself and your family on the street.


Created by two brothers and refined by protegees of Bruce Lee, the street fighting style is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more classes being taught every day. 


Now, this style of street fighting isn’t for everyone. So we suggest you spend some time researching it and other martial arts before deciding which option you should pursue.

 

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