Karate, an ancient form of martial arts, was developed in the late 1800’s and was used as a form of indigenous martial arts during the period used by countries like Japan and China in their conflicts.
Karate in its modern form has become a practice of martial arts that focuses its training on striking and the art of self-defense.
Karate as a striking art is devised using punching, kicking, knee strikes, elbow strikes and open hand techniques such as knife-hands, spear-hands, and palm-heel strikes.
How is it effective?
While self-defense courses may teach someone the basic skills for self-defense, all studies show conclusively that in self-defense situations a person is rarely able to access their conscious mind and instead relies purely on instinct. This is where karate becomes so valuable for self-defense.
The techniques practiced in karate are not complicated and do not require physical strength. Those taught are simple and proven as effective, and practiced each week until they become instinctive. Once this instinctive ability is reached, more techniques are added to one’s repertoire.