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Karate (空手)or karate-dō is a martial art of Okinawan origin. Recent research
indicates that it developed from a synthesis of indigenous Ryukyuan fighting
methods and southern Chinese martial arts. Karate originally meant Tang hand, i.
e. Chinese hand, which later took on the meaning 'empty hand' in Japanese. It is
known primarily as a striking art, featuring punching, kicking, knee/elbow strikes
and open handed techniques. However, grappling, joint manipulations, locks,
restrains, throws and vital point striking are inherent to the art.
In general, modern karate training is divided into three major areas: basics
(“kihon” in Japanese), forms ("kata" 型 in Japanese), and sparring ("kumite" 組手
in Japanese).
Basic motion (Kihon) (基本) is the study of the fundamental techniques (punching
mechanics, footwork, stances) of the art. This is the 'public face' of the art that
most people recognize, ie, the familiar basics of stepping and punching.
Kata means 'form' or 'pattern;' however, they are not simply aerobic routines, or
dances of some sort. They are patterns of movements and techniques that
demonstrate physical/combative principles related to fighting. Kata may be
thought of as a collection of fixed sequences of movement that address various
types of attack. It is important to remember that they were developed before
literacy was commonplace in Okinawa/China, so physical routines were the
logical method for preserving a body of this type of information. The moves
themselves may have multiple interpretations as self-defense techniques- there
is no 'standard right or wrong' way to interpret them, but interpretations may have
more or less utility for actual fighting. For example, the same passage of a kata
may be interpreted as block/punch/block, or joint strike-lock/punch/throw.
Sparring may be constrained by many rules or it may be free sparring, and in
modernity is practiced both as sport and for self-defense training. Sport sparring
tends to be one hit "tag" type contact for points. Depending on style or teacher,
practical aikido and judo-type takedowns and grappling may be involved
alongside the punching and kicking.
Many styles of karate also include specialized conditioning equipment, known in
Japanese collectively as "hojo undo." Some of the more common devices are the
makiwara, the chi-ishi (a kind of off center free weight), and nigiri game (large
jars used for grip strength). Some styles also include instruction in kobudo, or
traditional Okinawan weaponry. The two arts are not strictly linked, but they have
followed a synergistic course of development. It is important to note that kobudo
weapons were never used to drive off Samurai by the Okinawan peasantry (Mark
Bishop, "Okinawan Karate")
indicates that it developed from a synthesis of indigenous Ryukyuan fighting
methods and southern Chinese martial arts. Karate originally meant Tang hand, i.
e. Chinese hand, which later took on the meaning 'empty hand' in Japanese. It is
known primarily as a striking art, featuring punching, kicking, knee/elbow strikes
and open handed techniques. However, grappling, joint manipulations, locks,
restrains, throws and vital point striking are inherent to the art.
In general, modern karate training is divided into three major areas: basics
(“kihon” in Japanese), forms ("kata" 型 in Japanese), and sparring ("kumite" 組手
in Japanese).
Basic motion (Kihon) (基本) is the study of the fundamental techniques (punching
mechanics, footwork, stances) of the art. This is the 'public face' of the art that
most people recognize, ie, the familiar basics of stepping and punching.
Kata means 'form' or 'pattern;' however, they are not simply aerobic routines, or
dances of some sort. They are patterns of movements and techniques that
demonstrate physical/combative principles related to fighting. Kata may be
thought of as a collection of fixed sequences of movement that address various
types of attack. It is important to remember that they were developed before
literacy was commonplace in Okinawa/China, so physical routines were the
logical method for preserving a body of this type of information. The moves
themselves may have multiple interpretations as self-defense techniques- there
is no 'standard right or wrong' way to interpret them, but interpretations may have
more or less utility for actual fighting. For example, the same passage of a kata
may be interpreted as block/punch/block, or joint strike-lock/punch/throw.
Sparring may be constrained by many rules or it may be free sparring, and in
modernity is practiced both as sport and for self-defense training. Sport sparring
tends to be one hit "tag" type contact for points. Depending on style or teacher,
practical aikido and judo-type takedowns and grappling may be involved
alongside the punching and kicking.
Many styles of karate also include specialized conditioning equipment, known in
Japanese collectively as "hojo undo." Some of the more common devices are the
makiwara, the chi-ishi (a kind of off center free weight), and nigiri game (large
jars used for grip strength). Some styles also include instruction in kobudo, or
traditional Okinawan weaponry. The two arts are not strictly linked, but they have
followed a synergistic course of development. It is important to note that kobudo
weapons were never used to drive off Samurai by the Okinawan peasantry (Mark
Bishop, "Okinawan Karate")