Karate

Karate is a martial art developed from Ryukyuan fighting and Chinese kempo.  It’s mainly a striking art featuring kicking, punching, and knee and elbow strikes.  Grappling, joint locks, weapons and throws are also a part of karate, but most training is focused on striking.  The study includes four areas; kihon (fundamentals), kata (forms), kumite (sparring), and kokoro (attitude).

Once the basics are learned then one will practice kata.  They are formed movements which develop strength and cardiovascular endurance.  They demonstrate combat principles, and all the movements need to be memorized.  This drills the movements into the memory of the fighter.  Most level elevations require the study and presentation of a new kata.

The sparring kumite can be practiced with rules or freestyle.  Different forms of sparring exist including one-step drills, three-step drills, structured sparring coming from katas, and free sparring (this is the most common form of karate competition).

Karate is more than just fighting and defense.  The martial art preaches the perfection of the fighter’s character over the skill of combat.  The discipline and dedication are designed to improve the inner harmony of the participant as they improve physically.

In 1924, a dan system was adopted from judo to rate fighters based on color of the belt they’re wearing.  They differ between schools but usually have a black belt with dans that can be added.  Black belt testing includes a written exam and demonstration of kihon, kumite, kata and bunkai (displaying moves with the use of a partner).

Karate competitions are internationally organized and it has been in the Olympic Games, but it failed to achieve Olympic sport status in July 2005.  There is the World Karate Federation and numerous regional, national and international organizations throughout the world.  The popularity of the art was widely brought to the attention of society through movies and popular culture displays of the fighting style.