| Contrary to popular opinion, the martial art | | | | |
| Karate was not invented in China. Rather, it | | | | Some of the important Karate sub-styles are: |
| has its origins in the island of Okinawa in | | | | (i) Wado-Ryu style, which combines JiuJitsu |
| Japan. The word "Karate" means the "empty | | | | movements with Okinawa karate techniques, and |
| hand" or the "Chinese hand", and it has been | | | | (ii) Uechi-Ryu style, which blends Okinawa |
| given this name because it involves a rapid | | | | Karate with Chinese martial arts tactics. The |
| use of hands and legs in an extreme close | | | | Uechi-Ryu style appears more Chinese than |
| combat. | | | | Japanese though it is a blend of both the |
| | | | cultures. |
| It was sometime in the sixteenth century that | | | | |
| Chinese Kung Fu fighters experimented around | | | | As you know, Karate is a fast-paced martial |
| with their styles and formulated the "te" | | | | art that involves electric movements of the |
| technique ("Te" means hand). The art grew in | | | | hands and legs. So, you need to ensure that |
| China and evolved from a very rough and | | | | you are attired in a comfortable Karate |
| simple fighting style into a hard, | | | | uniform. |
| close-combat style. | | | | |
| | | | As Karate involves close combat and can be |
| Around the late nineteenth century, Gichin | | | | lethal, you will also need to protect your |
| Funakoshi, a famous martial arts practitioner | | | | head and groin by strapping on a head guard |
| from Japan, blended new moves into the "Te" | | | | and groin protector, respectively. Arm, chest |
| style and displayed his art to the Japanese | | | | and leg guards are available too, and so are |
| martial arts masters in early twentieth | | | | karate mitts and shin protectors. And, of |
| century. This was the beginning of Karate, as | | | | course, mouth guards can be considered too, |
| we know it. | | | | just in case. |
| | | | |
| Karate kicked off with the original Okinawa | | | | To train for Karate, you will need jump |
| style; later on, the Japanese patented their | | | | ropes, breakable boards, a Karate training |
| own styles, which are now appropriately | | | | board and a Karate training system. To |
| called Japanese styles of Karate. With time, | | | | perform Karate exercises, you will need leg |
| many karate schools all cross the world began | | | | and body stretchers, mats, water training |
| naming their Karate after their school's or | | | | bags, punching bags and pull-up and push-up |
| master's name, giving birth to many | | | | bars. |
| sub-styles. | | | | |
| | | | And, finally, before you go out there to |
| The original style - known as the Okinawa | | | | practice Karate, do not forget to plug in a |
| style - is a very hard and external style. It | | | | first aid kit in your bag. |
| employs circular means of defense while its | | | | |
| attack is linear in nature. The physical | | | | Karate not only keeps your body fit, it also |
| condition is extremely rigorous, as compared | | | | strengthens your mind and enhances your |
| to the Japanese style of Karate. The Japanese | | | | concentration. Only thing, you must learn to |
| style of Karate is more stylistic and its | | | | respect it and practice it seriously as an |
| movements are linear in both defense and | | | | art. |
| offense. | | | | |