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Karate (空 手 道) is a martial art originating from Japan. Karate martial arts were brought into Japan via Okinawa. This martial art was first called "Tote" which means like "Chinese Hand." When karate entered Japan, Japanese nationalism at that time was high, so Gichin Funakoshi's sensei changed the Okinawan kanji (Tote: Chinese hand) in Japanese kanji being 'karate' (Blank Hand) to be more easily accepted by Japanese society.Carate consists of two kanji.The first is 'Kara' 空 and means 'empty', and the second, 'te' 手, means 'hand'. The two kanji together means "empty hand" 空手 (pinyin: kongshou).

According to Zen-Nippon Karatedo Renmei / Japan Karatedo Federation (JKF) and World Karatedo Federation (WKF), which is considered the main karate style, namely:

Shotokan

Goju-Ryu

Shito-Ryu

Wado-Ryu

The four streams were recognized as the main Karate styles because they participated in the formation of the JKF and WKF.

But the world's leading karate style is not just the four styles above that. Some major sects such as Kyokushin, Shorin-ryu and Uechi-ryu are widespread in various countries of the world and are known as the famous Karate stream, although not included in the "Big 4 WKF".

In Japan, the organization that accommodates Karate sports throughout Japan is JKF. The organization that accommodates Karate throughout the world is WKF (formerly known as WUKO - World Union of Karatedo Organizations). There is also the ITKF (International Traditional Karate Federation) which houses traditional karate. The function of JKF and WKF is mainly to strengthen Karate which is "without direct contact", in contrast to the Kyokushin or Daidojuku schools which are "direct contact".

Karate basic training is divided into three as follows:

Kihon, which is to practice basic karate techniques such as hitting, kicking and parrying techniques.

Kata, is technique practice or karate's flower.

Kumite, which is sparring.

Nowadays karate can also be divided into traditional schools and the flow of sports. Traditional streams emphasize martial arts and combat techniques while the flow of sports builds techniques for sports competitions.