Martial Arts - Karate
What is Karate?
Well, Karate is a martial art which was originally developed and used for self defence in Okinawa and then Japan. The word Karate actually comes from two Japanese words, “Kara” meaning empty and “Te” meaning hand, so this literally translates as empty hand. This is because in general a Karateka (someone who practises Karate) is unarmed in combat, using mainly their hands and feet to block and strike.
Is there just one style?
No, Karate like most martial arts has several styles. I’ll give a brief description of some of the main styles:
Shotokan
Shotokan is probably the most widely spread and known style. It was developed by Master Gichin Funakoshi who supposedly named the art after his poetry pen name of Shoto, so Shotokan literally means clan or house of Shoto.
Kyokushinkai
Kyokushinkai is regarded as a much more physical style of Karate due to its more realistic kumite (sparring). It was developed by Mas Oyama after he had studied Shotokan with Master Gichin Funakoshi. Mas Oyama felt that a more realistic form of contact training was necessary in order to prepare the mind and body for actual combat.
Shito Ryu
Shito Ryu was original founded by Kenwa Mabuni and was first know as Hanko Ryu (half hard style). The name was subsequently changed by Kenwa Mabuni to reflect the respect he had for his two masters, “Shi” and “To” were the first Japanese characters of Master Itosu and Master Higaonna.
Wado Ryu
Wado Ryu is known for being a softer, more natural form of Karate. Wado Ryu literally translates as “Way of Peace” or “Way of Harmony” and was developed by Hironori Ohtsuka who studied Shotokan and Jiu-Jitsu.
Goju Ryu
Goju Ryu was developed by Chojun Miyagi and can be translated as “Go” meaning hardness and “Ju” meaning softness so literally the hard soft style. Chojun Miyagi spent some time in China after his master died before returning to Okinawa to pass on his knowledge.
Is it all about fighting?
The aim of a Karateka is to unite mind, body and soul to become the best that he or she can be. It is a system of self improvement and discipline which can be passed on to all aspects of a person’s life. Karate like other martial arts teaches that it should only be used as a last resort to defend ones self or others when absolutely necessary.
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants." - Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate
"There is no first strike in karate." - Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate
What will I learn?
There are three main area’s of learning in Karate but like most martial arts you will start with the basics first. This is known as kihon in Karate.
Kihon
Kihon is the basics or fundamentals and is the foundation of good Karate. This is where the student will learn the correct stances are and why they are used. They will learn how to block, punch and kick properly. This is sometimes referred to as line work, where all students will move up and down the training hall (dojo) in a line performing a set technique. This will definitely be something seen if a class in observed and is also seen in a lot of martial arts films to.
Kata
Kata puts together the skills and techniques the student has learned during kihon, into a predetermined routine known as a form or pattern. These forms demonstrate combat principles and teach the student the correct way to move between different stances and techniques. Depending on the style of Karate the student can be expected to learn several of these forms, hence providing a good learning tool as well as exercise. However, as a single technique can have multiple applications, some of these forms may differ between organizations, with neither being incorrect, as it’s all down to interpretation.
Kumite
Kumite or sparring as it is commonly known, involves trying to put together the moves and combinations you have learned in both Kihon and Kata into a combat situation against another opponent. For some styles this involves wearing protective padding and opponents are allowed to fight full contact. For others where protective padding is not used this means they have to be controlled and contact is kept to a minimal or not at all. Grappling may or may not be allowed and generally kicks to the groin and legs are forbidden. Arguments have been made recently that the use of competitions is watering down the combat effectiveness of sparring and Karate in general, with people focusing on ways to gain points rather the use of a martial art for self defense.
What are the coloured belts for?
Karate uses a belt system to display the rank of a Karateka. Commonly a white belt represents a beginner with a black belt being the highest grade available. Depending on the style there are many different numbers of belts with different and varying colours. A general guide is usually ten coloured ranks known as Kyu before reaching a black belt known as Dan, again with generally ten Dan grades available. Different time periods are allocated between gradings, usual a low rank Kyu will have to wait around three months before being allowed to try for his/her next belt, whereas a Dan rank may have to wait years before being able to grade.
For more information about Karate as a Martial Art visit:
Karate Union of Great Britain
World Karate Federation
British Karate Association
British Traditional Karate Association
