What is Karate?

Karate , kara meaning empty and te meaning hand, is a martial art whose protocols and technical language have emanated from ancient (Okinawa) Japan. This exciting art has been capsized in the context of sport that has retained its wide spectrum of techniques including a myriad of blocks, strikes, kicks, evasions and throws. There is no "preference" for one technique over another as it is critical that the appropriate technique matches the opponent's vulnerability. In the sport of Karate, many of the more dangerous techniques and target areas must remain forbidden for purposes of safety. Each technique that is executed must demonstrate that if it were to be actually fully extended or fulfilled, the result would be the determining and debilitating blow to one's opponents. Each technique, in order to be counted as a scoring point, must exhibit "zanshin". Zanshin is the perfect placement and recovery of the body that demonstrates ones opportunity to continue with dominance over the opponent....one technique must be able to flow into a succession of techniques. While each technique must be fully controlled, this precaution has not diminished the thrill of watching a dynamic Karate match. The greater points are awarded in the sport for kicks to the front and back of the head (jyodan ) with the lesser points awarded to the middle and lower ( chudan and gedan ) areas. All sweeps and throws must be followed up with a finalizing blow in order to demonstrate "finishing" of ones opponent.

Karate training incorporates the body as a whole: synchronization of breath, coupled with relaxation techniques with a calm mind that must remain in constant harmony with the rapid and contrasting demands of the body's dynamics. Karate practice will manifest in a more flexible, balanced, toned body with the muscular and mental development that allows the athlete to move fluidly with an emphasis upon speed, focus, accuracy, efficiency as well as the most important technique-the element of surprise! In Karate, the mind and body are considered inseparable tools that enable the practitioner to act coolly and objectively in a crisis without telegraphing any emotions or physical movement. When the Karate-ka prepares for a competition, they have little trouble imagining the intense scenario under which they must perform. The highest level of karate demands that the Karate-ka, or practitioner, maintains a state of "no mind" or "mushin". This state of mind is free of distractions, erroneous assumptions and fear. Mushin is required for correctly assessing and calibrating the speed, timing and power of the opponent. It is this state of mind that also allows the astute or seasoned Karate-ka to intuitively presage the opponent's intent prior to actual execution. The ability to move a fraction of a moment prior to the manifestation of the opponent's attack is called "sen". The intensity of a focused Karate match is undeniably seen on the face of each competitor.

All Karate techniques emphasize self-defense as a priority. Evident in all of the "Katas", or forms, which act as the embodiment of the Karate "library", is the defensive maneuver that begins each of the series of practice techniques. These forms are rigorously practiced until each minute maneuver encompassed within the Kata is imprinted perfectly. Katas are in essence, the pedagogy or building blocks of Karate-do. Karate, which has it roots in ancient Chinese culture, went through quite a few cultural adaptations prior to its modification at the turn of the century into a formal pedagogy by Gichin Funakoshi for the Japanese University and school system/s. The Japanese government recognized this art/sport as an important addendum to scholastic endeavors as well as a great way to develop a strong moral character. The moral lessons and physical discipline inherent in its practice, requires the practitioner to adhere to the tenets of Karate-do which literally means "the way of" Karate. The "Karate-do" designation, regardless of which of the many styles are practiced, separates the person who wants to learn ‘fighting' techniques from the more vested "Karate-ka" whose pursuits are for self- defense, personal edification and the many time honored tenets including:

• Moral and compassionate behavior
• Contribution to ones community
• Respect for others
• Self-accountability
• Humility
• Adherence to filial duties
• Loyalty
• Persistence and diligence in all endeavors
• Citizenship
• Indomitable spirit

The technical language: Japanese
Protocols: based upon the traditions of all martial arts with an emphasis upon respectful and controlled actions at all times
IF: World Karate Federation
NGB: The USA National Karate-do Federation

Karate made its debut as a medal sport at the Pan American Games in 1995 with outstanding results followed by the 1999 medal count of nine medals, five of which were gold. The USA National Team, under the National Karate-do Federation and USOC, is one of the most competitive countries in international competitions with an overall competition record of fifth place worldwide. In 2002, the USA National Team won 2 world championship gold medals and 17 international medals in seven competitions, most of which were gold. In 2003, the US Open Championships saw the USA garner four gold medals, four silver medals and eight bronze medals at the highest levels. International competitive opportunities per year have grown to an expansive and comprehensive level for Junior as well as the senior competitor with more than 18 junior and senior national team events per annum. As the sports National Governing Body, the USA-National Karate-do Federation fields over 8 international teams per year in addition to its goodwill events and is ranked fifth internationally.

 

Karate is one of the largest sports practiced in the world with over 50 million people involved world wide with 164 countries as member nations. The success and popularity of this sport is largely due to its long inclusion of young children without regard to gender, race or religious persuasions. A true grass roots level sport, Karate attracts and reflects a wide spectrum of demographic profiles that has grown exponentially as it has been discovered as a productive outlet for all ages and levels of proficiency. Most importantly, it joins the ranks of those activities in which family members may each take part and mutually enjoy.