Sensu Karate Karate means empty hand and is the unarmed method training warriors to condition their minds and bodies to act as weapons in the event of loosing their weapons in battle. Originally the techniques were a method to refine the body to cultivate the mind for the purpose of meditating. The various branches of karate that we know today can be traced to schools that have a fairly modern history.
Today there is a thriving competitive element which offers a vigorous training program.
Most karate clubs maintain a form of military discipline which seems to suit some people, with different styles and different degrees of regulation to control competition and training. Kicking and using different parts of the body to strike are the characteristics of karate. Because of it's dynamic and flamboyant concept it is often glorified in films. Kata is a tool to enhance training but kata is sometime performed to music which is proving to be quite entertaining in certain quarters. Karate is good for overall flexibility, co-ordination and strength.