What is Karate?
Karate, pronounced as 'karate' in Okinawan, has its roots in the Ryukyu Kingdom, where it emerged as a martial art featuring powerful strikes with fists and feet. Originating as a pastime for the samurai class, it later spread from Okinawa to gain recognition as a Japanese martial art in 1933.
In contemporary times, Karate comes in various styles, including Okinawan Karate, protective gear-based Karate, and traditional styles with controlled-contact rules. While modern Karate primarily emphasizes striking, ancient Okinawan Karate included joint locks, throws, and grappling techniques known as 'tuite' and 'kakete.'
Beyond empty-handed techniques, practitioners often train in weapons arts such as stick fighting and nunchaku techniques. Okinawan styles maintain traditional methods, while mainland-derived styles integrate techniques from other martial arts, aiming for a comprehensive martial system.
The Evolution of Names:
Karate, originally known as 'te' or 'toode,' adopted its current name after being introduced into school physical education in 1901. The term 'karatejutsu' was used before the widespread use of 'karate' in 1936. The addition of '道' (do), meaning 'way,' led to 'karatedo' around 1929 or 1930, symbolizing a Japanese identity in martial arts.
This renaming aimed to reorganize Okinawan karate based on Japanese spirit and ethos, emphasizing its rich history and evolution. Despite various theories, 'karate' remains the universally accepted term for this martial art.
Osu,
Sensei Sophia
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