Kara- Empty
Te- Hands
Do-Way, path or approach
The connotation Karate indicates a technique that permits defending
oneself with the bare hands and fists, without weapons.
Karate- Can be described as a martial art, or fighting method, which
involves a variety of techniques, including blocks, kicks, punches,
strikes, evasions, take-downs, throws and joint manipulations.
Do- Is described as the way, path or approach which is used to reach the
perfection of the human character. One who studies Karate must rid
himself of evil or selfish thoughts, for only with a clear mind one can
understand what is received. Karate-Do must strive to be internally
humble, and externally gentle.
Karate-Do is implied as a total way of life that goes well beyond self
defense applications. The true opponent in Karate-Do is recognized as
oneself.
In true Karate; the mind, spirit and body become one (budo). Our
physical techniques are pure expressions of our mind intensions, and the
polishing of our spirit. If its application is for a good purpose, then
the art is of great value, but if it is misused, then there’s no more
evil or harmful art than Karate.
Karate practice is divided into three main categories: Kihon (Basics),
Kata (Forms), and Kumite (Sparring).FOUR MAJOR STYLES OF KARATE
Shotokan: Founded by Master Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957)
Is characterized by its powerful and linear techniques coupled with deep
strong stances which were developed to accommodate the larger physical
statures of the Japanese practitioners.
Goju Ryu: Founded by Chojun Miyagi,the best student of Higaonna
(1888-1953)
Its meaning is “The hard/Soft way”. A signature quality in this system
is the breathing for controlling opponent and the combination of soft
circular blocking techniques with quick stronger counter techniques
delivered in rapid succession.
Wado Ryu: Developed by Master Hirononri Ohtsuka
It means “Way of harmony”
Tsuka was already a Master on Yoshin-Ryu Jujutsu when he was introduced
to Karate.
This style combines basic movements of Jujitsu with techniques of
evasion, with a strong emphasis on softness. Spiritual discipline is a
trademark characteristic of the Wado Ryu practitioners.
Shito Ryu: Founded by Kenwa Mabuni (1888-1952)
A system that is influenced both by naha-te and shuri-te.
Shito Ryu Schools have a large number of katas or forms. Each school has
over 50 katas.
It is characterized by its emphasis on the execution of techniques, also
by its economy of movement.
OTHER TYPES OF MARTIAL ARTS
Shotokan: Japanese Karate which focuses on three basic parts for
development: Kihon (Basic techniques), Kata (Forms), and Kumite
(Sparring). Shotokan is very distinctive because of its focus on
perfection of stances, strikes blocks, and body mechanics.
Aikido: Meaning “The Way of Harmonious Power”. It is purely a defensive
art that uses an attacker’s own strength to protect both the attacker
and the attacked.
Iaido: Japanese art of sword-drawing, cutting and returning it to its
scabbard, all with minimum exertion. Its essence is a non-combative form
of spiritual cultivation.
Tae Kwon Do: Korean Karate that is distinguished by its focus on
kicking.
Tai Chi: A Chinese martial art that emphasizes harmony of mind and body.
It does not focus on self-defense, but on relaxation.
Kung Fu: Kung means discipline and Fu means person. This martial art
emphasizes blending the mind, body and spirit. This art includes both
the use of weapons as well as empty hand techniques.
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