What does karate mean

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What does karate mean?

Karate is a martial art and an unarmed combat and self-defense system that targets weak areas on an attacker’s body by using the hands, arms, legs, and feet to strike with fast, powerful blows. Karate originated in Japan.

Like other martial arts, karate is known for emphasizing the mental aspects of the discipline as well as values like courtesy and respect. The learning level of a person who practices karate is signified with a belt. The highest level is black belt.

A person who practices or competes in karate can be called a karateka. A karate instructor can be called a sensei, and a school where karate is taught can be called a dojo.

Karate is one of the most well-known martial arts. Probably for this reason, the word karate is sometimes used in a very general, casual way as a catchall term for any martial art.

Karate is also practiced as a sport in two main forms. Kumite (meaning “sparring”) is the traditional form involving matches between two fighters who spar against each other and are awarded points for landing blows. The other form, kata (meaning “pattern” or “form”), involves individual competitors performing a rehearsed set of karate techniques (called forms) before a panel of judges. Both types were first included as Olympic events in the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021.

Example: I signed my kids up for karate so that they can learn self-defense and build their confidence.

Where does karate come from?

The first records of the word karate in English come from the mid-1900s. It roughly translates to “empty hand,” from the Japanese word kara, meaning “empty,” and te, meaning “hand.”

Karate traces its origins to other East Asian martial arts. It was developed and refined by inhabitants of the island of Okinawa in the 1600s as a form of unarmed self-defense before spreading throughout Japan and then internationally.

What are some other forms related to karate?

What are some words that share a root or word element with karate?

What are some words that often get used in discussing karate?

How is karate used in real life?

Karate is one of the most well-known martial arts. Probably for this reason, other martial arts are often casually (or mistakenly) referred to as karate.

GUESS WHO FINALLY GOT HER FIRST BELT IN THE ART OF KARATE!😭😭😭😭🙏🏽

I was told if I keep up the way I’ve been training I can be a black belt in 3 or 3 and a half years!😭😭🤗🤗
Big ups to my coach for pushing me and not giving up on me even when I wanted to give up 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/2t5ONL5rlT

— Féministe Sorcière (@tastefullysaucy) April 11, 2019

Japan bound to watch my kids compete in the World Wado Kai karate championships.

Try using karate!

What does the word karate roughly translate to?

A. empty hand
B. way of the fist
C. empty foot
D. foot and fist

Words related to karate

How to use karate in a sentence

Surfing, skateboarding, karate and sport climbing will all make their debut at the 2020 Olympics, while baseball and softball return to the Olympic stage for the first time in 13 years.

However, I soon realized that school shutting down meant that the other things I enjoyed, such as my evening routine of swimming and karate practices, would also come to a standstill.

What is Karate? The Japanese Martial Art Explained

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Calligraphy of the Japanese word karate

What is Karate?

Karate is a Japanese martial art. What is the word “Karate” origin? “Kara” means “empty,” and “te” means “hand.” Together, the term “karate” refers to the art of fighting hand to hand without weapons.

Origins of Karate

Where does karate come from?

Like many Asian martial arts, karate’s origins are ancient but karate as it is known and practiced today is fairly recent. Karate can be traced back to the island of Okinawa, where inhabitants developed a closed-fist system of fighting called “te.”

Some accounts say Okinawa sent a few of its young men to China to learn martial arts techniques from Shaolin monks. Others credit the opening of trade routes through Okinawa circa 1372 with bringing Chinese visitors to the island who introduced their martial arts techniques to Okinawans.

Either way, the result was a heavy Chinese influence on the Okinawan martial art.

Because Japan banned weapons in Okinawa in 1609, empty-hand fighting techniques continued to be practiced and refined. These techniques became the basis for modern karate.

Over the years, three cities in Okinawa – Shuri, Tomari, and Naha – took a prominent role in developing styles of te, with each style named after its city of origin. Collectively, these styles were referred to as, “Okinawa-Te,” a style of martial art that is still widely practiced today.

Karate in Japan

Karate was first introduced to Japan in 1917 by Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of modern karate. Funakoshi’s demonstration impressed the public and Crown-Prince Hirohito, who expressed enthusiasm for the martial art.

Gichin Funakoshi performing the 9th movement of kata Heian Nidan

Five years later, the founder of the Japanese martial art of Judo, Dr. Jano Kano, invited Funakoshi to demonstrate karate at his dojo and then to stay and teach. Because karate had been previously viewed as a “peasant” martial art, Dr. Kano’s backing was instrumental in the acceptance of karate and its establishment in Japan.

Today there are four main styles of karate practiced in Japan, all of which were founded between 1928 and 1939: Wado-ryu, Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Shotokan. All use the same basic principles but each style has a different emphasis of technique.

Origins of Karate in the US

A soldier with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force offers a Karate demonstration for U.S. Marines

Again, like most Asian martial arts, karate came to the US through its introduction to the military. Karate’s journey to the US began in 1942 with a chance meeting between Robert A. Trias, who was then serving in the South Pacific in the US Navy, and T’ung Gee Hsing, a karate master. Trias was training for a middleweight boxing championship and Hsing, who was fascinated by American boxing, convinced Trias to spar with him. The result was Hsing giving Trias, “the biggest thrashing of my life.” Trias asked Hsing to teach him and subsequently earned his black belt in 1943.

In 1946, Trias opened the first karate school in the US and two years later, founded the United States Karate Association – now the largest karate organization in the world.

Throughout the 1960s and ’70s, many individuals brought their own take on karate to the US, opening schools all over the country. During this time, many other martial arts were being introduced in the US including taekwondo, judo, aikido, and various styles of karate.

Because of this proliferation of martial arts and karate styles, it’s not surprising the word “karate” has become somewhat of a catch all term for martial arts in the United States. However, referring to all martial arts as “karate” isn’t accurate or appropriate. While Japanese, Chinese, and Korean martial arts are all closely related and interwoven, each has a different history, culture, and background expressed through different techniques and philosophies.

Common Forms of Karate in the US

There are many, many types of karate practiced in the US. The following is a short list of just a few popular styles:

Franck Duboisse, WKF kata wheelchair world champion

Basic Principles and Techniques

Karate techniques focus mainly on hand strikes, but uses elbow and knee strikes as well as some kicking techniques.

Students practice two modalities of karate: kata, a series of attack and defense techniques used against an imaginary opponent, and kumite, sparring against an opponent using attack and defense techniques.

The philosophy of karate emphasizes proper training of the mind as well as the body, building character, and focusing on principles such as respect, self-control, and concentration.

Why Karate

Practicing karate provides many physical benefits including improved physical conditioning and coordination. It also provides self-confidence from learning self-defense techniques along with developing self-discipline and improved focus.

Because of the volume of schools and instructors teaching so many different karate styles, there is sure to be a school and philosophy that’s a good fit for you and/or your family.

For those who wish to practice karate competitively, the martial art has joined the list of Olympic sports and will make its debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. All styles of karate are welcome, as long as the athlete is a member of the World Karate Federation.

Karate World Championships in Paris 2012. Photo by Claus Michelfelder

Karate in the Long Run

Unlike other martial arts, a student’s progression through karate belt levels can be extremely slow. Students might only test for their next belt once or twice a year, and attaining a black belt can take five to ten years.

While the martial art itself is no more or less difficult than other martial arts, the slow pace of belt rank promotions can make it tough for younger children to stay motivated. It is not uncommon for children to quit karate, only to return as adults who can take the long view and study the martial art for what it offers, and not simply to gain in belt rank.

Getting Started

With so many different types of karate available, it’s important to take the time and effort to research your local options. All “karate” schools are not the same, and what might be great for one family might not be for you or your kids.

To help determine which school and style are best for your needs, visit your local karate dojos and speak with the owner/instructor. Ask what style of martial art they teach and what the school’s philosophy is. Ask where they were trained and who their instructor was. Observe a class. If you like what you see, take a class (many schools offer free introductory classes). If you know someone who studies karate, go along and take a class with them at their dojo. Make sure you feel comfortable not only with the style of karate but also with the school itself and the instructors.

Equipment

A white uniform called a gi is required. For sparring and during competition, safety equipment is used including protection for the head, hands, chest, shins, and feet. (Mouth guards for all students, and groin cups for males, are strongly recommended.)

Though karate is by definition a empty-hand martial art, techniques with a wide variety of weapons such as the bo staff, sword, chain whip, fan, and many others are also studied.

Karate is a martial art meant to be studied for the long haul. For those willing to take the journey, the benefits gained physically and mentally are well worth it.

About the author: Holly Layman is a writer based in Southern California. She holds a first degree black belt in taekwondo.

To learn more about the history and practice of martial arts check out the other articles in the Puncher “What is” series on Judo, Boxing, Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Sambo, MMA and more.

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What Does KARATE Mean?

Cara Koch

Karate. What does it mean?

It’s an interesting word and has a nice ring to it. But for those of us who don’t speak Japanese, it doesn’t mean anything. We know that it is a martial art, of course, but the name has a deeper meaning in Japanese than the karate meaning in English.

So, what is the meaning of Karate? What does the word Karate mean in Japanese? Are there Karate translations?

Let’s find out the answers to these questions and more!

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How to Pronounce Karate

Karate /kəˈrɑːti/. Check out this video to know the pronunciation in different countries.

The Karate Meaning in English

In the Western world, the word “Karate” is virtually synonymous with “martial arts.” Whatever style of martial arts used in a movie is pretty much irrelevant, many people will still refer to it as a “Karate movie.” If you study Kung Fu or Tae Kwon Do, it’s likely one of your friends has asked you how your Karate lessons are going.

It was the first form of Asian martial arts largely popularized in the US. After World War II ended, Okinawa (the birthplace of Karate) was an important US military holding in the mid-1940s. While there, many of the soldiers began to study the martial art and brought it back with them when they returned home.

Martial arts in general and Karate in particular slowly began to catch on in the Western world. Then, in the 1960s and 1970s, martial arts movies arrived on the scene and the popularity of the sport grew. Karate came to be an umbrella term in English that many people will use interchangeably with martial arts.

Of course, only those not in the know will do this. True Karateka, practitioners of Karate, know that there is a huge difference between Karate and other martial arts styles.

What Does Karate Mean in Japanese?

Karate-Do, the full version of Karate, comes from three Japanese characters, “kara,” “te,” and “do.” Literally, they can be translated as “empty,” “hand,” and “way.” In other words, the literal translation of Karate from Japanese is “the way of the empty hand.”

Because the term is Japanese, you won’t see different Karate translations. If someone ever asks you “how do you say Karate in Spanish?”, the answer is the same — Karate.

History of Word Karate

The definition of Karate has an interesting history. Since Karate is so well known in the US and people know that martial arts are ancient, the average person would assume that Karate is an ancient art as well.

Surprisingly, it is not. The term Karate was first decided on and used as a name for the art in 1936! So “Karate” isn’t even a hundred years old yet. How did that come about? Let’s find out.

Though Karate is known as a Japanese art, it has Chinese origins. It was perfected on Okinawa, an island to the south of Japan. Throughout history, Okinawa has been an important trade hub that had dealings with various Southeast Asian countries — Burma, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Siam (Thailand), to name a few.

However, on Okinawa, there was a favorite — China. Everything Chinese was the bee’s knees. Everything from Chinese culture was revered as the ultimate sophistication — including their martial arts fighting style.

“Chinese Hand”

In Okinawa, the art was known as Toudi, which literally translated means “Chinese Hand.”

However, in the 1930s when Okinawans like Funakoshi Gichin (the father of modern Karate) and others wanted to take the art to Japan, they knew it wouldn’t go over well simply because of the name. Japan, at the time, was in a historical conflict with China. Anything that had anything to do with China would be instantly disliked.

Interesting how words can mean so much, isn’t it?

“Empty Hand”

To solve this problem, they decided to change the name of the art. As long as they got rid of the Chinese part, they thought that the art would catch on.

But what should they name it?

The answer turned out to be right in the name itself. Japanese characters can be pronounced more than one way. The character for Chinese “Tou” could also be pronounced “Kara”. So, instead of calling it Tou, they switched the pronunciation to Kara.

Pretty nifty, right?

To further distinguish it, they replaced the original character with another character that could also be pronounced “Kara.” But, what does the Japanese word “Kara” mean? If you remember, we just mentioned it when we talked about the literal meaning of Karate in Japanese. “Kara” means “empty,” effectively changing the name from “Chinese Hand” to “Empty Hand.”

The name “Empty Hand” also helped to promote the art’s popularity. Modern Japanese culture has a zen way of thinking and the idea of empty hand fit right in with that connotation.

Adding the “Do”

It was at this time also that they added the suffix “do” to the end. “Do” literally means “way” or “path” in Japanese. This addition was meant to imply that Karate is more than just a method of self-defense, but rather a way of life. Practitioners are meant to push themselves to exceed their own expectations, competing and excelling against themselves.

The point was to help promote the sport as a way of life. Married with the Japanese idea of striving to improve oneself, Karate moved from being just about self-protection to becoming self-perfection.

It definitely worked, because Karate not only spread through Japan but also throughout the world shortly after. Even so, in popular vernacular in the West it is not always called Karate-do, but usually just Karate.

The Karate Tradition

Karate might have gotten its name less than one hundred years ago, but practitioners are joining a centuries-old tradition nonetheless. They are learning the Way of the Empty Hand. They are learning how to defend themselves against attackers when they have no weapons at their disposal. And they are learning a way of life, discipline, strength, and honor that has been passed down through the centuries.

It’s quite an exciting ride, at least those of here at The Karate Blog think so.

Interested in learning more about Karate besides the physical aspects of the sport? Check out our post detailing 10 famous karate quotes and top 50 martial arts quotes!

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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 predetermined series of movements simulating defense and counterattack against several opponents. Performances are scored by a panel of judges, as in gymnastics.

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 developed, each favouring 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 colour of belt). There is some overlapping of technique with other fighting styles.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.

13 Main Karate Styles and Their Differences

Cara Koch

Karate is like a living thing. Though established relatively recently in the early 1900s, the roots of Karate stretch back over centuries.

Though modern Karateka performs some of the same movements as ancient martial artists, some of the techniques have been completely revamped. Even the basic Karate style that Gichin Funakoshi brought from Okinawa to Japan has morphed into something new.

Now, not even 100 years later, various different types of Karate are practiced around the world. Let’s look at their differences.

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What Are Karate Styles?

What do we mean when we talk about different Karate styles (Karate types) as opposed to different styles of martial arts? Shotokan Karate and Wado-ryu are quite different from each other, but both are considered Karate. However, something such as Tae Kwon Do, which looks similar to Karate, is not considered Karate.

What’s the difference?

Most of it has to do with how the styles were developed. All Karate styles have their roots in Japan, Okinawa, or both.

Nearly all martial arts styles have had some influence on each other at some point in their histories. However, the basic categories we have today come from distinct places. For example, Tae Kwon Do comes from Korea, Kung Fu comes from China, Muay Thai comes from Thailand, etc.

Karate comes from the island of Okinawa and was later refined in Japan. Check out this post to learn more about the origins and history of Karate.

From there, various types of Karate split off as new schools and prominent Karateka further explored certain aspects of the art.

How Many Styles of Karate Are There?

Though there are as many as 75+ Karate styles out there, there are four main styles that are most widely known.

1. Shotokan-ryu

Shotokan Karate is one of the most well-known types of Karate in the world. It was developed in Tokyo by Gichin Funakoshi, the Father of Modern Karate.

Shotokan techniques are very strong and linear (as opposed to circular, fluid movements such as what you’d see in Kung Fu). As a whole, the art is comprised of about 70% hard techniques and 30% soft movements.

Students are taught to focus on speed, form, balance, and breathing as they perform techniques. Beginner stances tend to be deep and become longer as the student advances.

The style has 26 kata that students must learn.

2. Shito-ryu

Though Shotokan is more popular around the world, Shito-ryu is the most popular form of Karate in West Japan. The style is heavily influenced by Okinawan Karate styles and was founded by Kenwa Mabuni in 1934.

The style employs short, low stances that are very similar to what you see with Sumo wrestlers and is very kata heavy. With 94 kata, it is the Karate style with the most kata. Students are encouraged to string the movements from the kata together as they work to defend themselves.

3. Goju-ryu

If you’ve ever seen The Karate Kid, you’ve already seen Goju-ryu in action. This is the style that the fictional character Mr. Miyagi teaches to Daniel.

The style is based on Okinawan Karate styles which were heavily influenced by Kung Fu and Chinese martial arts centuries earlier. It is also heavily influenced by a Chinese martial art called Fujian White Crane.

His character was inspired by the real Chojun Miyagi, who founded the Goju-ryu style of Karate around 1930.

As such, the style is a more even mix of hard and soft techniques, which is reflected in the name of the art. “Goju” literally means “hard-soft” in Japanese.

Whereas Shotokan Karate is very linear, many movements in Goju-ryu are more circular. (“Wax on, wax off.”)

The style uses only 12 kata and the stances tend to be deep and natural.

4. Wado-ryu

In 1939, Hironori Otsuka established Wado-ryu, which translates to “the way of harmony” in Japanese. There is a strong emphasis on harmony and peacefulness of mind.

Whereas most styles of Karate focus on powerful attacks, Wado practitioners seek to evade blows. Students learn to shift their bodies to avoid or reduce the impact of blows and strikes are incorporated as a counter-attack.

Unlike most other Karate styles, Wado also incorporates Jujitsu-style techniques such as joint locks and throws. The stances are mostly natural and students learn 15 kata.

What Does Ryu Mean in Japanese?

You may have noticed that all the styles have the Japanese word “Ryu” as part of the name. What is Ryu meaning?

In Japanese, “Ryu” can mean style, school, system, type, form, etc. In written Kanji, it is used mostly as a suffix like you see here after the style names.

The word “ryuha” can also stand alone and means “school” or “school of thought”. Japanese martial arts are often differentiated into different ryuha.

Other Types of Karate

So far, we’ve talked about the big four styles of Karate. However, though these are the most well-known, they are not the only types of Karate out there.

Other styles that have been established are basically mixes of these four styles or offshoots of one of them.

Let’s take a quick look at them here.

1. Kyokushin-ryu

Kyokushin Karate is a mix of techniques from Shotokan and Goju-ryu. However, despite the influence of Goju-ryu, it is known as an extremely hard style.

In the sporting arena, it is also a particularly brutal form of Karate, known as Japanese full-contact Karate or knockdown Karate. Unlike in sparring matches of other Karate styles, Kyokushin students are NOT encouraged to pull their punches, and potentially permanently damaging blows are allowed.

The stances used are mostly natural and there are 23 Kata plus 8 ura Kata.

2. Isshin-ryu

Isshin-ryu is based primarily on Okinawan Karate styles. It mixes Goju-ryu with Shorin-ryu and Kobudo, both of which are Okinawan martial arts.

Stances tend to be natural and there are 15 kata, including weapon-based ones.

3. Uechi-ryu

The Uechi-ryu style of Karate is a mix of Okinawan martial arts with Kung Fu. There is an equal mix of hard and soft techniques.

Students might be excited to know there are only 8 kata to learn in Uechi-ryu. Kata fans, however, will find themselves looking elsewhere for a challenge.

This style was developed by Kanbun Uechi on Okinawa during the early 1900s.

4. Shorin-ryu

Shorin-ryu is another Okinawan style mixed with Chinese martial arts that uses a mix of hard and soft techniques. However, hard, fast techniques tend to dominate.

Natural stances are always used and students learn 21 kata.

5. Shindo Jinen-ryu

This style is a steady mix of Okinawan and Japanese Karate styles. As such, it uses both deep and natural stances. Counting all the types and sub-categories of kata that students learn, there are more than 60 in all.

6. Shukokai Ryu

This Karate style is a mix of Shito-ryu and Goju-ryu. It maintains a balance of about 60% hard techniques with 40% soft ones.

Practitioners always use natural stances and there are 44 kata for students to learn.

7. Gosoku Ryu

Gosoku-ryu is a Japanese style of Karate that combines techniques from Shotokan and Goju-ryu. There is a mix of both hard and soft techniques.

Deep stances are usually taught to beginners. As they progress, more natural stances are employed.

This style has 46 Kata — a relatively large number and this includes several weapons ones.

8. Shuri-ryu

Shuri-ryu also hails from Okinawa and was developed from mixing Okinawan martial arts with a Chinese art called Xing Yi Quan. Both hard and soft techniques appear and the style uses both deep and natural stances. Students learn 15 kata in all.

9. Chito-ryu

Chito-ryu is a mix of Shorin-ryu and Okinawan martial arts. The style uses a mix of both hard and soft techniques. However, unlike most other types of Karate, it focuses on soft techniques rather than hard ones.

The stances are always natural and there are a total of 15 kata.

What’s the Best Karate Style for You?

As you can see, there is quite a variety of Karate styles out there for those who would like to study Karate. A few more exist, such as Gensei-ryu, Yoshukai, and others, but you’ve got the idea.

So, how do you know which one you should choose?

You can do a little research like this on the Internet, but the best way to get a feel for each Karate style is to visit your local dojos. Most Karate schools offer a free introductory class so you can get an idea of what to expect.

In general, most people interested in martial arts will be happy learning any style of Karate. However, they are different enough from each other that you may enjoy one style over another.

So, check around, see what styles of Karate schools are offering in your area and take advantage of that free class! Before long, you’ll be feeding a lifelong passion and well on your way to earning a black belt in Karate!