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This martial art has its roots in China, but was largely developed in Okinawa, Japan in the 1600's as a method for self-defence due to weapons being outlawed. Karate can be translated to "empty hand." There are many styles of Karate from traditional, to modern, western styles known usually as American Freestyle Karate, and Full-Contact Karate (Sport Karate), but many of the basic techniques are the same. Some of the more popular styles are: "Shotokan" is considered the first style of modern Karate (created by Gichin Funakoshi. Practitioners use steady, powerful movements and center themselves in all stances. "Goju-Ryu" is a style that incorporates Chinese Kempo techniques and incorporates hard linear moves and soft circular moves that combine like yin yang. Movements are generally slower with a focus on breath. Training in Karate generally involves four aspects, or fundamentals. These fundamentals are the different forms of movements that make up combinations and techniques practiced in Karate. Kihon (Basic techniques) Kata (Form or pattern) Bunkai (Study of techniques encoded in kata or "kata application") Kumite (Free Sparring). People often confuse different styles of martial arts, and interchange the names of these martial arts. It can be easy to confuse Karate with other martial arts, especially because so many arts employ similar techniques. Karate focuses on striking moves with and on open-handed techniques. Karate combinations involve the use of punches, kicking, knee, and elbow strikes. Other martial arts involve different fighting techniques and the use of weapons. Aikido focuses on evasion, joint locks, joint breaks, throws and controls. Judo focuses on throws and some grappling while taking your opponent to the ground. Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art which has various styles that are inspired by animal movements, or by Chinese philosophies, and work to improve muscle and cardiovascular fitness. While several martial arts use a ranking system depicted by a belt or sash, Karate has a specific system of colored belts. White represents the beginner with black representing an advanced level.
Know the styles of Karate. Understand the elements of Karate. Understand how Karate differs from other martial arts.