Karate is a Japanese martial art that seeks the development of defensive and counterattacking body movements. It was developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom, which is present-day Okinawa prefecture, Japan, from the indigenous Ryukyuan martial arts under the influence of Chinese martial arts, particularly Fujian White Crane. Karate is a highly effective system of self-defense and an excellent form of exercise that promotes a number of life skills and values.
Karate practice is generally divided into three components: Kihon (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (sparring) . Kihon covers various strikes, blocks, kicks, stances, and movements one might need to use in self-defense. Students practice these in lines each class so that the techniques are refined and become instinctive. Kihon allows students to develop an understanding of their body and how it can be used as most effectively as a weapon, for example, how to generate maximum power with minimum effort. Kata is often referred to as the ‘art form’ of karate. Each kata is a traditional predetermined pattern of movements that promotes a number of self-defense principles. Kata is a solo exercise that allows the student to practice techniques against imaginary opponents. Kumite is the practice of sparring with an opponent. It is the most dynamic part of karate training and allows students to put into practice the techniques they have learned in Kihon and Kata.
The word "karate" is a combination of two kanji (Chinese characters): "kara" means "empty," and "te" means "hand." Together, the term "karate" refers to the art of fighting hand to hand without weapons. Karate can be traced back to the island of Okinawa, where inhabitants developed a closed-fist system of fighting called "te". Because Japan banned weapons in Okinawa in 1609, empty-hand fighting techniques continued to be practiced. Today, karate is a worldwide martial art and an Olympic sport.
