Mr. Gautam Khati
Karate Coach
Definition
Karate, (Japanese: “empty hand”) unarmed martial-arts discipline employing kicking, striking, and defensive blocking with arms and legs. Emphasis is on concentrating as much of the body’s power as possible at the point and instant of impact. Striking surfaces include the hands (particularly the knuckles and the outer edge), ball of the foot, heel, forearm, knee, and elbow. All are toughened by practice blows against padded surfaces or wood. Pine boards up to several inches in thickness can be broken by the bare hand or foot of an expert. Timing, tactics, and spirit, however, are each considered at least as important as physical toughening.
In sporting karate and sparring (Kumite) in training, blows and kicks are stopped short, preferably within an inch of contact. Sporting matches commonly last about three minutes, to a decision, if neither contestant has scored a clean “killing” point in the estimation of the judges. Contests of form (kata) are also held, in which single competitors perform a predetermined series of movements simulating defense and counterattack against several opponents. Performances are scored by a panel of judges, as in gymnastics.
History
Karate evolved in East Asia over a period of centuries, becoming systematized in Okinawa in the 17th century, probably by people forbidden to carry weapons. It was imported into Japan in the 1920s. Several schools and systems have developed each favoring somewhat different techniques and training methods. Karate, like other Asian martial-arts disciplines, stresses mental attitude, rituals of courtesy, costumes, and a complex ranking system (by color of belt). There is some overlap of technique with other fighting styles.Karate is a Japanese martial art developed in Ryukyu Islands and influenced by Chinese martial arts, especially Fujian White Crane. In some modern styles, grappling, joint locks, vital point strikes, and restraints are also taught.
Types of Karate
There are over 75 styles of Karate, the four prominent among them being Shotokan, Shito-ryu, Wado-ryu, and Goju-ryu. Of these, the first three styles originated in Okinawa’s Shuri region while Goju-ryu originated in the Naha province.
1. SHOTOKAN
Shotokan is a defense mechanism style that teaches some basics, forms, and sparring. It is an authorized style of Karate that stresses powerful strikes, sparring techniques, and long stances designed to end a fight quickly. In short, it teaches you to give devastating blows before your opponent realizes that you are even considering such a move.The credit for Shotokan karate’s birth and popularity belongs undoubtedly to Gichin Funakoshi. As an elementary school student, he learned both Okinawan karate and Shorin-ryu karate. He compiled techniques from these two styles to form an independent style, which came to be known as Shotokan. The name is a combination of his pen name ‘shoto’ meaning pine waves and ‘kan’ meaning house.
2. SHITO-RYU
Shito-ryu style was founded by KenwaMabuni in 1931. Mabuni learnt Naha-te and Shuri-te from two legendary martial arts experts, KanryoHigonna and ItosuAnko. The emphasis of both the styles was distinct even though both followed hard-soft format. Mabuni combined the two techniques to formulate Shito-ryu style.
3. Wado-ryu
The style was founded by OtsukaHidenori in 1920, a student of Gichin Funakoshi. He combined Okinawan karate’s striking techniques with movements of jujitsu, besides focusing strongly on evasion through body shifting. The style has shorter punches and higher stances than Shotokan.
4. GOJU-RYU
Goju-ryu is an Okinawan karate style founded in the 1930s by Miyagi Chojun. The term Goju-ryu means ‘hard-soft style,’ which refers to the technique it uses. It uses a combination of closed hand linear motion (hard) and circular motions (soft), which resembles the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang.The history of the style is somewhat vague due to lack of availability of proper documentation. However, it is believed that a Japanese martial arts master called KanryoHigashionna formulated the Goju-ryu style. In 1873, he went to China and practiced martial arts with various teachers. Later on he returned to Japan and combined what he learned in China with what he already knew about Okinavan karate to make a new style of his own. After his death, his best student, Chojun Miyagi, continued to develop and refine the style. It was in 1930 that Miyagi decided to christen the style.
Benefits of Karate and Martial Arts for Kids
● Teaches Self-Defense, Building reflexes to stand up to a threat is important for children
● Builds Confidence
● Honest Leadership Skills
● Develops Character
● Encourages Self-Discipline
● Promotes Healthy Body and Weight
● Offers Multiple Choices
● Greater emotional stability
● Lessen aggressive feelings
● Increased self-esteem
● Enhance emotional stability
● Make people more assertive
● Help to reduce anxiety and depression