WHAT IS KARATE?

Karate is the Japanese art of unarmed self-defense. The word Karate means "Empty Hand"that is the hands and feet become trained weapons for defense. Karate is used for protection only. More importantly Karate involves the development of the mind and spirit. The philosophy of Karate is to master ones self. Unlike other sports that are based on talent and winning, Karate is about the perfection of character. It is an individual sport and students learn to hold themselves accountable for their progress. This teaches self-discipline and is important for success in life. A student's ultimate goal is to attain mental, physical, and spiritual balance and mature to a degree of personal harmony.

HISTORY

The art of Karate, "empty hand", is more than 1000 years old and originated in Eastern Asia. A monk, Bodhidharma, traveled from India to China, established a monastery, and began teaching Zen Bhuddism. He developed a series of fighting techniques in which he trained monks to become stronger, both mentally and physically. Over a period of years the monks spread throughout China, and they shared their knowledge with the Chinese peasants. These peasants used these unarmed fighting techniques to defend themselves against armed bandits. By the 17th century, these fighting skills had transmitted to the island of Okinawa, Japan. In 1922 Karate was introduced to the Japanese public through an Okinawan master, Gichin Funokashi. The Japanese highly developed the art, and Karate flourished in Japan. By World War II, Karate had reached the U.S. Today the art is chiefly associated with Japan, and is taught in many different styles around the world.