Karate-do (Okinawa - Japan) Karate, actually Karate-do in full, is a martial art that originated in the province of Okinawa , which now belongs to Japan . Karate is primarily a standing martial art with an emphasis on punching techniques, kicking techniques, knee and elbow strikes (in some styles), and open hand techniques, such as knife strikes.
There are a number of schools or styles within Karate-do and each has its own specific execution of techniques and basic exercises, although the basic principles are more or less the same. In addition to the strikes and kicks, throws, chokes, locks and pressure point techniques are also practiced in some styles.
Karate literally means 'empty hand' in the Japanese language. The term consists of two 'kanji' characters: 'kara' and 'te'. Someone who practices karate is called a karateka. The word 'ka' is a suffix for Japanese martial artists. More examples of this are: budo-ka, judo-ka and Jiu Jitsu .
Materials for Karate
In Karate, one always uses a uniform , the so-called gi . This is a lot more flexible and lighter than the comparable judo gi. Furthermore, one uses the necessary protectors during practice: a mouthguard , groin protector , shin guards and open gloves. In some schools and styles, one uses so-called safety equipment : gloves and foot protectors.
