Karate – A Martial Art That Develops Power, Flexibility and Coordination

karate

Karate is a martial art that develops power, flexibility and coordination. It teaches self-defense and is also used as a sport in competitions.

The martial art known as karate is believed to have originated from a combination of the Chinese White Crane fighting style and Okinawaan kumiai-jutsu. The Ryukyu Islands were ruled by China in the centuries before Japan took control, and it is thought that scholars-officials from the island traveled back and forth to mainland China and brought some of these fighting techniques with them when they returned to Okinawa.

In the 1740s the islands became part of the Satsuma Domain of Japan. At this time the fighting system was called Te, but in 1784 the word karate was adopted as a way to describe the local variations of the art that developed at Shuri, Naha and Tomari. During this period, Mas Oyama established the Kyokushinkai organization and developed karate as a sport.

The serious practice of karate leads to mental discipline, greater composure and insight into the nature of human beings. As a result of this deeper understanding, students gain greater confidence and are able to better handle confrontations.

In addition to the basic fighting skills of karate, there are supplementary training exercises called hojo undo, which are designed to improve strength, endurance and balance. These are usually performed on the ground using a variety of wooden training equipment such as a makiwara and nigiri jig (squatting with a weighted bag). These techniques are important for the development of the proper body mechanics to prevent injuries.