Karate or karate-dō is a martial art of Okinawan origin. Recent research indicates that it developed from a synthesis of indigenous Ryukyuan fighting methods and southern Chinese martial arts (Kung fu - Wushu). Karate is known primarily as a striking art, featuring punching, kicking, knee/elbow strikes and open handed techniques. However, grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restrains, throws and vital point striking are inherent to the art.

In general, modern karate training is divided into three major areas: basics (“kihon”  in Japanese), forms ("kata"  in Japanese), and sparring ("kumite"  in Japanese).

Basic Techniques (Kihon)  is the study of the fundamental techniques and combinations (punching mechanics, blocks, footwork, stances, kicks) of the art. This is the 'public face' of the art that most people recognize, ie, the stepping and punching movements.

Kata means ‘pattern’ , sequences or  'practice routines’; ' however, they are not simply aerobic routines. They are patterns of movements and techniques that demonstrate physical combat principles. Kata may be thought of as fixed sequences of movements that address various types of attack and defense. It is important to remember that they were developed before literacy was commonplace in Okinawa or China, so physical routines were the logical method for preserving a body of this type of information. It is also important to remember that the moves themselves may have multiple interpretations as self-defense techniques.

Sparring may be constrained by many rules or it may be free sparring, and in modernity is practiced both as sport and for self-defense training. Sport sparring tends to be one hit "tag" type contact for points.  

Traditional martial art  training depending on style or teacher may involve, practical self defense or combat oriented techniques involving throws and  takedowns alongside the punching and kicking. A high degree of skill and control is required by the participants to be able to begin this type of training.

Some styles also include instruction in Kobudo, or traditional Okinawan weaponry. The two arts are not strictly linked, but they have followed a synergistic course of development. Advanced students may be taught Okinawan weapon arts of the Nunchaku, the Bo (stick). etc.

Meaning of the word Karate

The word "karate" originally comes from the Okinawan pronunciation of the kanji characters "kara"which means Tang dynasty or simply China, and "te" meaning hand:

The meaning of "Chinese hand" or "Tang hand," “Chinese fist” or "Chinese techniques," reflected the documented Chinese influence on Karate. Following Japan's invasion of eastern China in 1933, Gichin Funakoshi (known as the father of modern karate) began using a homonym of the kanji character "kara" by replacing the character meaning "Tang Dynasty" with the character meaning "empty". This followed the so-called Meeting of the Masters in October of 1936, which included Chojun Miyagi, Chomo Hanashiro, Kentsu Yabu, Chotoku Kyan, Genwa Nakasone, Choshin Chibana, Choryo Maeshiro and Shinpan Shiroma (Gusukuma). Since this 1933-1936 period, the word pronounced "karate" has almost universally referred to the written kanji characters meaning "empty hand" rather than "Chinese hand". It is also probable that this change originated several years earlier in Okinawa, since Hanashiro Chomo had used the "empty hand" writing form as early as 1905.

The term "empty hand" has often been interpreted as containing Japanese Zen principles that go beyond the obvious inference that the practitioner carries no weapon. The Zen process of emptying the heart and mind of earthly desire and vanity for oneself through perfection of one's art. A deeper understanding  of this new ideogram refer to rendering oneself empty or egoless, leading to further development of spiritual insight. Funakoshi stated that the actual meaning of his writings are as follows: "As a mirror's polished surface reflects whatever stands before it and a quiet valley carries even small sounds, so must the student of Karate-Dō render of their mind empty of selfishness and wickedness in an effort to react appropriately toward anything he might encounter."

Such philosophies have been inspirational to many generations of karate students.

The "do" suffix is used for various martial arts that survived Japan's turbulent transition from feudal culture to "modernity," and implies that they are not just techniques for fighting, but have spiritual elements when pursued as disciplines. In this circumstance it is usually translated as "doctrine", "the way of" (cf. Aikido, Judo and Kendo). Thus, "karate-do" is "the doctrine of the empty hand".

Karate and Character

In keeping with the -do nature of modern Karate, there is a great emphasis on improving oneself. It is said that there is no first strike in Karate, meaning, among other things, that the art is for self-defense; not injuring one's opponent is the highest expression of the art. Many people study Karate for self-improvement.

"The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants." -- Gichin Funakoshi

"The Way is not meant as a way of fighting. It is a path on which you travel to find your own inner peace and harmony. It is yours to seek and find." -- Hironori Ohtsuka

"Karate always begins and ends with rei." Respect is a very important part of karate, it is about cleansing oneself and strengthening character. The spirit of "osu" is to push onself to the limit of one's ability, to persevere under pressure, to endure.

In many forms of karate a KIAI! (spirit shout) is used when completing techniques in training. The KIAI is a shout generated by sharp exhalation of air from the lungs via the contraction of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles. The idea of the KIAI is to focus the mind and body and bring it into one, the technique is preformed by the mind and body at the same time to deliver a powerful attack or defens