Karate – The Best Defensive Weapon
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Karate is a martial art developed from indigenous fighting methods from the Ryukyu Islands, Chinese kempo and classical Japanese martial arts. Karate is characterized by the use of the hips and stances to generate striking power, by the distinctive use of breathing to focus power, and by the practice of prearranged forms. A karate practitioner is called a Karateka.
The practice of karate is divided into three elements:
- kihon (basics): Kihon covers the training of all the stances, kicks, blocks, strikes, punches and body movements that are used in kata and kumite. Practicing kihon enables one to gain an understanding of how the body moves in order to generate as much power as possible with the minimum of effort.
- kata (forms): Kata are the traditional predetermined forms or patterns of karate. Each Kata teaches various principles of movement and self-defence and exercise for improving breathing, balance and co-ordination.
- kumite (sparring): Kumite is where the techniques practiced in kihon and kata are applied against an opponent.
The karateka wears a white uniform and colored belt ranks. The different color belts are an indication of grade. Each grade up to black belt is called a “kyu”. Each black belt grade is called a “dan”. Kyu ranks stress stance, balance, and co-ordination. Speed and power are added at higher grades.
Karate teaches a set of principles that can be applied in any situation. As a method of keeping fit and healthy, it develops balance, co-ordination, aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility and requires constant mental alertness and agility. The sporting element allows people to test their karate skills against others in a safe and controlled environment.
Showing courtesy and displaying mutual respect are part of every Karate class. Well-known karate masters include:
- Itosu Anko
- Gichin Funakoshi
- Kenwa Mabuni
The styles listed by the World Union of Karate Organizations are
- Goju-ryu
- Shito-ryu
- Shotokan-ryu
- Wado-ryu
- Shorin-ryu
- Uechi-ryu
- Kyokushinkai
- Budokan
