Karate is an unarmed martial art employing kicking, striking and blocking with arms and legs. He who knows the art of karate can defeat his enemy without using any weapon. A karate expert can defeat his opponent in only one attack. Judo is the art of self-defence while in karate; actual physical contact is strictly limited. To avoid injuries during combat, all punches, blows, strikes and kicks are controlled and pulled back before contact.
Karate is a Japanese word which means ‘empty hand’. In karate bodily power is concentrated at the striking point and the instant of impact. Striking points include the hands, the ball of the foot, heel, forearm, knee and elbow. All these points are hardened by practicing blows against padded surfaces or wood. A karate expert can break several inches thick wooden boards or asbestos sheets by the strike of his bare hand or foot. Timing, tactics and spirit, however, are considered as important as physical toughness.
In karate, blows and kicks are stopped within an inch of contact. Sporting matches commonly last only 3 minutes. As a sport it involves both mock fights and formal examinations for various grades of skill. If a competitor is not able to have a clean attack, judges give the decision on the basis of movements and defence techniques. Performances are rated by a panel of judges as in gymnastics.
Karate evolved in Asia over a period of centuries, becoming systematized in Okinawa in the 17th century. It was introduced in Japan in the 1920s. Today, there are several schools of training in the world Championship title in karate was instituted in 1970.
Originating in ancient China and popularized by the Japanese, karate has now attained worldwide popularity.