History And Fundamentals Of Karate
George Royal

History:

Though Karate is often associated with Japanese martial arts,
its true origin dwells in Okinawan combat techniques and
Southern Chinese martial arts. It is basically a fusion of both
arts and was introduced to Japan only in 1921. During this
period, Karate was simply known as "Te", or hand, as called by
the Okinawans. Chinese influence is evident in the original
symbol for Karate - the "Tang Hand" or “Chinese Hand”.

There were no specified or concrete Karate styles in the early
days and simply generalized as Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te,
named after the three cities in which they were formed. Each
city had its own methods, principles, system and traditions of
Karate.

The introduction, popularization and modernization of Karate to
Japan are mainly credited to Funakoshi, an Okinawan master,
venerably regarded by many practitioners as “The Father of
Modern Karate”. Other prominent Karate experts in his time
include Kenwa Mabuni, Miyagi Chojun, Choshin Chibana, and
Motobu Choki.

Japan began introducing Karate as a subject in schools before
the Second World War and soldiers in the army were often
trained in the discipline. Competitions and different styles
also started emerging as several universities started karate
club programs during this period.

The popularization of Karate in the West has its roots in the
American military occupation of Japan and Okinawa after the
Second World War, and Japanese immigration to the United
States.

Fundamentals of Karate:

Karate mainly stresses on volatile combat techniques such as
punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open hand
methods. Grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints,
throwing, and vital point striking are also parts of this
discipline.

Karate training is divided into three main sections –

• Kihon refers to the study of basic techniques, movements and
components
• Kata or 'form', a fixed sequence of moves, is a series of
movements and techniques linked together by the combatative
principles that the kata expresses.
• Kumite or 'sparring' evovles from well-defined kata to open
attack and defense.

The Uniform – Color of the Belt and Ranks:

The Karate uniform is white and comprised of the Kimono
(shirt), Dogi or Keikogi (pants) and a belt (white or colored),
a combination introduced by Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo.
The color of the belt is dependant on the rank and expertise of
a practitioner. In accordance with commonly held standards,
white belts are for beginners, and black for the highest rank.
This, howver, may differ from one organization to another. Each
rank may also have subdivions of its own even if the color of
the belt is similar.
Styles and Variations:

Karate styles can be broadly classified into Traditional and
Full Body Karate. Traditional styles are those that developed
in the early period of the 20th century and include variants
such as Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, Kushin-ryu,
and Shindo Jinen Ryu. Full contact karate includes styles such
as Kyokushin-kaikan and Kansuiryu. Many of the styles have
offshoots that developed into styles of their own. Although the
concepts remain universal, each representation differ from one
another.

About The Author: Martial Arts HQ http://martialarts-hq.com
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