What is Karate
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Karate is a form of martial art developed through the ages. The general belief is that Karate originated in Japan. But, it existed in Okinawa long before the island’s annexation by Japan. In Okinawa the art was known as Te. Even Okinawa may not be the place of Karate’s origin. It is possible that Karate came to Okinawa from some other country through China with Zen Buddhism. In China it was known as Kung Fu. It was in Japan it got the name, Karate. Karate is meant to develop self discipline and self defense. So much Karate information is available now thanks to the internet. By 1960s and 70s Karate got widespread acceptance all over the world and Karate training schools started appearing everywhere.
In Karate attacks are dealt with evasive movements of the body and blocking. Counter attacks are delivered by punches, kicks and strikes by knee and elbow. No weapon is used in Karate. Bare hands are employed. Hand chops, restraints, joint locks are also parts of Karate. Strikes at vital points of the body of the opponent, grappling and throws are also employed in Karate. In addition to self defense it is also a good exercise to keep oneself healthy. One who practices Karate is called a Karateka.
Karate teaches how to use your body movements effectively for your own defense. It is not a fixed set of reactions to any kind of attack. Karate is a set of principles on how to keep the stability of your body and destabilize the opponent. Keeping physical fitness is another function of Karate. Karate training is a lifelong process. The practice of Karate is divided into three parts. The first one is learning the basics known as Kihon. The next is Kata or forms. Kuminte or sparring is where you practice on an opponent what you learned in Kihon and Kata.
Kihon
In Kihon, you get training in basics. In this you learn different postures, body movements, kicks, strikes and punches without actually having an opponent. You learn how to keep your balance always and at the same time deliver maximum power with minimum effort. Employing minimum effort is equally important as delivering more power because then only you can fight an attack long enough. Each of the movement is practiced individually first and then in combination of two or more techniques at a time.
Kata
Kata is the learning and practicing of the set forms of movements and self defense. These are different at different levels of training. As the training advances, advanced techniques are also taught. During Kata practice training in improvement of balance, coordination of limps and breathing are also given.
Kumite
Kumite or sparring is the actual practicing of what you leaned in Kihon and Kata. You will have an opponent while doing Kumite. The modes of practicing Kumite are different according the levels of training. Likewise, for each technique there is different Kumite mode.
Gichin Funakoshi, who developed the Shotokan system, popularized Karate in Japan during the pre-war years.
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