Karate
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Karate is a Japanese Martial art with many different levels of training. It is widely recognized as a sport and an art of self-defence. While there are many extensive physical aspects of this martial art, it also incorporates psychological elements and leadership techniques.
The practice of karate relies on different forms, patterns, and interpretations. Techniques employ kata (forms), kumite (sparring), kokoro (attitude), and kobudo (weapons training). Kata is a series of movements that demonstrate psychical principles of a combat attack. Kumite employs grappling, punching, and kicking in a competitive environment, most notably during tournaments. Kokoro an integral part of Karate, as it is believed to be its center. Without heart and character, you will not be self-improved through this martial art. Lastly, kobudo refers to training of traditional weaponry.
Although Karate is now considered a sport by many, it was introduced as an art of self-defence. At that time, only three obi-belts were used in Japan as a system of rank. The colours were white, brown, and black. Each belt colour consisted of several levels. It was only after Karate became so popularized and widespread that additional colours of obi were introduced.
The development of Karate took place during a time of political conflict and wars. Gichin Funakoshi founded Shotokan karate and attributed to spreading and popularizing karate on the main islands of Japan. In 1936, after some of the highest level martial arts masters met together, they announced the introduction of karate, which originated in Okinawa. Some of these major masters of Karate are Chojun, Chomo Hanashiro, Kentsu Yabu, Chotoku Kyan, Genwa Nakasone, Choshin Chibana, Choryo Maeshiro and Shinpan Shiroma.
Okinawa is a significant region for martial arts because it used to be a political center ruled by King Sho Hashi who banned weapons. This prohibition encouraged the development of unarmed combat. Little did these men who helped make karate official know what the future would hold for Karate, including it inclusion in the Olympics and the way Karate functions as an integral part of popular culture.
The World Karate Federation recognizes these styles of karate in its kata list.
The World Union of Karate-do Organization recognizes these styles of karate.
Shōtōkan-ryū, characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs.
Shitō-ryū, Originally called Hanko-ryū, or "half-hard style” straight and powerful techniques as exemplified in the Naifanchi and Bassai kata; the syllabus stresses circular motion and shorter fighting methods as seen in the kata Seipai and Kururunfa. Shitō-ryū focuses on both hard and soft techniques to this day.
Gōjū-ryū, (Japanese for "hard-soft style") is one of the main traditional Okinawan styles of karate, featuring a combination of hard and soft techniques. Both principles, hard and soft, come from the famous martial arts book Bubishi (Chinese: wu bei ji), used by Okinawan masters during the 19th and 20th centuries. Go which means hard, refers to closed hand techniques or straight linear attacks; Ju which means soft, refers to open hand techniques and circular movements.
Wadō-ryū, “Harmony, Way, Style” Wadō-ryū might be considered a style of jūjutsu rather than karate. When Hironori Ōtsuka first registered his school with the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai in 1938, the style was called "Shinshu Wadō-ryū Karate-Jūjutsu," a name that reflects its hybrid character.
Shōrin-ryū, “Small woods”. Chinese Shaolin influences. characterized by natural breathing, natural (narrow, high) stances, and direct, rather than circular movements (with the exception of Shōrin-ryū Kyudōkan, which makes extensive use of circular movements).
Uechi-ryū, "Style of Uechi" a traditional style of Okinawan karate. The founder was Kanbun Uechi. Incorperates pre-arranged sparring exercises for the colored (non-black) belt ranks. Pangai-noon Kung Fu was taught to Kanbun Uechi in china. He returned to Japan and taught this style as Uechi-ryu. Because both Pangai-noon and Goju-ryu mean hard/soft style, they are similar despite their different origins. Uechi Ryū is also heavily influenced by the circular motions which belong to the kung fu from Fujian province. Uechi Ryū is principally based on the movements of 3 animals: the Tiger, the Dragon, and the Crane.
Kyokushinkai, essentially means “to strengthen and improve character by challenging oneself through rigorous training.” - stand-up, full contact karate, founded in 1964 by Masutatsu Oyama (a Korean). Also called ‘Knockdown Karate.” 50- and 100-man kumite - The subject has to "win" (i.e., not get knocked-out) in at least 50-percent of the bouts in order to be deemed as passing the test. Mas Oyama fought bulls (killing 3) to demonstrate.
Budōkan. Founded Chew Choo Soot in Malaysia. World headquarters located in Noosa, Queensland, Australia. Comprises of Shotokan, Kung Fu, Jujitsu & Judo.
