KARATE
Karate is a Japanese martial art developed from southern Chinese martial arts. It is considered indigenous to the fighting methods of the Ryukyu Islands. It is primarily a striking art, featuring punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques, but grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point striking are also taught, depending on the style. A karate practitioner is called a "karateka"
In 1933, the Okinawan fighting form known as karate was recognized as a Japanese martial art by the Japanese Martial Arts Committee. In 1935, the masters of the various styles conferred to decide a new name for their art. They decided on "karate".
Modern karate training is commonly divided into "kihon" - basics, "kata" - forms, and "kumite" - sparring. Weapons comprise another important training area. Modern Japanese influenced training often emphasizes the psychological elements incorporated into a proper "kokoro" - attitude, such as perseverance, fearlessness, virtue, and leadership skills.
Today competition among "karateka" has grown very popular. Karate competition has three main divisions, "kumite" - sparring, "kata" - empty handed forms, and "kobudo" - weapons. Competitors may enter either as individuals or as part of a team. Evaluation for kata and kobudo is performed by a panel of judges, whereas sparring is judged by a referee and an assistant. Sparring matches are typically divided by weight, age, gender, and experience.
International competition is well organized. The World Karate Federation is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as being responsible for karate competition in the Olympic games. The WKF has developed common rules governing all styles.
Movies and the media have given rise to some of karate's more well know practitioners, among them are - Dolph Lundgren (of Rocky IV fame) holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Kyokushin karate and won the European championships in 1980 and 1981. Shinichi Chiba, more commonly known as Sonny Chiba, was one of the first actors to achieve stardom through his skills in martial arts, initially in Japan and later before an international audience. And Jean-Claude Van Damme, who began martial arts training at the age of ten, and eventually earned his black belt and the European Professional Karate championship, before becoming a Hollywood sensation.
Requirements of rank differ among styles, organizations, and schools. Beginner ranks stress stance, balance, and coordination. Speed and power are added at higher grades. Minimum age and time in rank are factors affecting promotion. Testing consists of demonstration of technique before a panel of examiners. Black belt testing is commonly done in a manner known as shinsa, which includes a written examination as well as demonstration of kihon, kumite, kata, and bunkai, all applications of technique.
The styles listed by the World Union of Karate-do Organizations are Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, Shotokan-ryu, Wado-ryu, Shorin-ryu, Uechi-ryu, Kyokushinkai, and Budokan. Many schools would be affiliated with, or heavily influenced by, one or more of these traditional styles.
Due to the popularity of martial arts, both in mass media and real life, a large number of disreputable, fraudulent, or misguided teachers and schools have arisen over the last 40 years or so. Commonly referred to as a "McDojo or a "Black Belt Mill," these schools are frequently headed by martial artists of either dubious skill, dubious business ethics, or both.
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