Martial Arts Karate

Seen in Olympic competitions and popular world wide many think martial arts karate as the only form of martial arts. It first was introduced to the United States in the 1960's, but can be found in countries around the world. Developed from Chinese fighting styles, practiced on Okinawa traditional Karate was perfected in Japan and is primarily a striking art, but also includes throws, grappling, and joint manipulations. Prior to World War II Karate was all about full contact and self defense, but since then the focus has shifted to sport competitions, but some dedicated practitioners continue to train in traditional Karate that is all about self defense.

Though other styles have been developed around the world there are four official styles recognized by the Japanese Karate Federation, and they're Shotokan-ryu, Shito-ryu, Goju-ryu, and Wado-ryu. Though there are many other styles these four were all designed with combat in mind. Wado-ryu is a hybrid of Karate and Japanese Jujutsu, and uses body movement to avoid attacks. Goju-ryu uses a variety of techniques and employs many other exercises to strengthen a student's mind and body. Shito-Ryu uses square-on stances and linear strikes as well as teaches weapons training. Shotokan-ryu is probably the most popular of the four, and uses deep stances and linear movements.

Karate builds a student up mentally and physically and provides a social outlet. The intense workouts have been shown to improve a student's health, prevent future injury, and improve their longevity. A Karate student will be more organized in other aspects of their lives because they are used to working towards goals and learn respect and discipline. Many learn Karate in schools that are like clubs and students work together to achieve goals and become friends as they train together.

Most schools you see today are teaching sport martial arts Karate while others focus on the self defense aspect. The difficulty comes when schools try to do both and they confuse students about which form of martial arts karate they need to use. Once meant for self defense much of what made Karate so brutal in combat has been stripped away, and replaced with techniques designed to prevent injury. Though there are some instructors out there teaching real combat karate they are few so do your research and know that just because you're learning Karate doesn't mean you can protect yourself as many have unfortunately found out in a street fight.

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