Karate – The Art of Self-Defense

When people think of karate, they often imagine a martial artist breaking boards or flying through the air. While karate is a physical discipline, it also teaches students to control their emotions and stay focused in the face of adversity. It also helps improve balance and coordination, while increasing strength and stamina.

Karate was developed in Okinawa, Japan as a form of self-defense using punches and kicks. The discipline is taught at various schools (dojos) worldwide, for both self-defense and as a sport. Karate is practiced by men and women of all ages, as well as children. It has been shown to help develop motor skills, focus, and self-confidence.

Unlike most Asian martial arts disciplines, karate was not invented by one person. Its development occurred over centuries, and was influenced by many different sources. It was systematized in Okinawa in the 17th century, and later imported to mainland Japan where several karate schools emerged with distinct training methods and philosophies.

Gichin Funakoshi, who would become regarded as the ‘father of modern karate’, changed the name from ‘Te’ to ‘Karate’ in order to make it more easily understood by the Japanese, as the art was originally practised by Chinese who were forbidden to carry weapons. He also adopted the uniform used by Judo founder, Jigoro Kano and changed the names of many techniques.

The most important aspects of karate include Kihon (basics), Kata, and Kumite (sparring). Kihon is the repetition of individual techniques with an instructor. It may also include prearranged drills in pairs or groups. Depending on the style of karate, kata are formalized sequences of movements that represent offensive and defensive postures with an emphasis on blocking, striking, throwing, and joint-locking techniques. In karate sparring, levels of contact vary from no-contact to full-contact, and may be free or structured sparring.