Karate からて is the physical skill of self-defense without using any weapon. The word karate 空手 means "empty hand" to reflect this.

As a martial art, karate is embedded within Japanese cultural and martial values. Important values are calmness, politeness, restraint, humility, as well as respect for tradition. Because of this emphasis on good behavior, karate has evolved to become a form of "dou" どう, as in "karate-dou" 空手道, and not just a physical form of self-defense or fighting.

In the karate class at Explore Japan, expect to bow before and after the class as respect towards the tradition, watch and observe carefully without making any comment first, then try your best to copy the moves. Of course, the movements are fun to copy and it is an interesting learning experience, so please enjoy the session!