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Karate 空手 / 唐手
Japan (Okinawa)East AsiaStrikingOkinawan / JapaneseShaolin legend
Striking art developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom from local te and Chinese (especially Fujian) boxing. The name changed from 'Chinese hand' to 'empty hand' in the 1930s. Major styles: Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, Wado-ryu, Uechi-ryu, Kyokushin.
Key characteristics
- Kata, kihon, kumite
- Makiwara conditioning
- Strong Chinese influence (Sanchin from Fujian)
Forms & curriculum
- Sanchin
- Naihanchi
- Kanku Dai
- Bassai
What training looks like
Classes typically combine stances and footwork (basics), conditioning, solo forms (taolu, kata or hyung) and partner drills. Sparring is introduced gradually, usually with protective gear.
Questions to ask a school
- How is sparring introduced and supervised?
- What do a beginner's first three months look like?
- Is there a family, health or seniors class?
- How are injuries prevented?
Quick facts
| Origin | Japan (Okinawa) |
|---|---|
| Era / founder | Okinawan 'tode' 1700s–1800s; mainland Japan 1920s |
| Family | Okinawan / Japanese |
| Type | Striking |
Related philosophy
- Budo 武道 – 'Martial way' – martial training as self-cultivation.
- Mushin (No-Mind) 無心 – Acting without hesitation or distracting thought.
- Zanshin (Remaining Mind) 殘心 – Continued awareness after a technique.
- Shu Ha Ri 守破離 – Stages of learning: obey the form, break the form, leave the form.
- Kata / Taolu / Hyung 型 · 套路 · 형 – Pre-arranged forms that preserve techniques and principles.
Where to learn
- Japan Karate Association (JKA) – Tokyo, Japan
- IOGKF – Morio Higaonna – Okinawa, Japan
- Okinawa Karate Kaikan – Tomigusuku, Okinawa, Japan
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