Combat pit official logo black
Back to Glossary
Home
Search
Martial Arts Culture and History
Gear and Equipment
Personalities
Skill Development
Mind and Body Connection
Weapons and Traditional Tools
Martial arts map
Complete blog posts directory
Contact

Karate

What is Karate?

Karate is a traditional martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan. It focuses on striking techniques such as punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes, as well as open-hand techniques like knife-hands and spear-hands. Karate also includes various blocking techniques, stances, and forms known as katas, which are sequences of movements that simulate defense and attack scenarios.

Karate is practiced for self-defense, physical fitness, and mental discipline. It emphasizes principles such as respect, humility, and perseverance. Practitioners often wear a white uniform called a gi and progress through different belt ranks, starting from white belt and advancing to black belt and beyond, based on their skill level and knowledge.

In addition to its traditional aspects, Karate has also evolved into a competitive sport, with tournaments featuring both kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) events.

Related Article: Journey into the World of Karate: A Dynamic Japanese Martial Art

Apply the way of karate to all things. Therein lies its beauty.
Gichin Funakoshi

Check out the latest blogs

See all articles

Other Glossary terms

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Dynamic Flexibility
Dynamic flexibility refers to the ability to move a joint or muscle through its full range of motion with speed and control.
D
Wu Style
Wu Style is one of the five major styles of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), known for its unique characteristics and approach to the practice.
W
Zanshin
Zanshin is the eighth and final stage in the Hassetsu, the "Eight Stages of Shooting," in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
Z
Shihan
A shihan is a master instructor, often regarded as a "teacher of teachers." The term is composed of "shi" (teacher, master) and "han" (model, example), underscoring their role as a paragon of excellence and leadership in martial arts. Shihan signifies a higher rank and greater responsibility than sensei, marking a significant milestone in a practitioner’s journey.
S
Simple Reaction Time (SRT)
Simple Reaction Time (SRT) is the measure of the time it takes for an individual to respond to a single stimulus.
S
Escrima
Escrima, also known as Arnis or Kali, is a Filipino martial art that focuses on weapon-based fighting, particularly with sticks, knives, and other bladed weapons.
E
Choice Reaction Time (CRT)
Choice Reaction Time (CRT) is a measure of the time it takes for an individual to respond to one of several stimuli by selecting the appropriate response from multiple options.
C
Dohyo
A "dohyo" is the ring or platform where sumo wrestling matches take place.
D
Chikara-Mizu
Chikara-mizu, which translates to "power water," is a ritual practice in sumo wrestling that involves wrestlers rinsing their mouths with water before entering the ring for a match.
C
Grappling
Grappling is a term used in martial arts and combat sports to describe techniques that involve manipulating an opponent through holds, locks, throws, and ground control, rather than striking.
G
Ballistic Stretching
Ballistic stretching is a form of stretching that involves rapid, bouncing movements to push a muscle beyond its typical range of motion.
B
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a premier organization in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
U
Gymnastic Rings
Gymnastic rings, also known simply as rings, are a piece of equipment used in gymnastics and fitness training.
G
Shinzen Shobu
Shinzen Shobu is a term used in traditional Japanese martial arts, including Judo, which refers to a formal match or contest conducted in front of a shrine or a sacred place.
S
Bogu
Bogu is the protective armor worn by practitioners of Kendo during training and competition.
B
No Items Found