Karate Technique

Karate (空 手 道) is a martial art originating from Japan. This martial art is slightly influenced by the kenpō Chinese martial art. Karate was brought into Japan via Okinawa and began to flourish in the Ryukyu Islands. This martial art was first called "Tote" meaning "Chinese hand." When karate entered Japan, Japanese nationalism was at its height, so Sensei Gichin Funakoshi changed the kanji of Okinawa (Tote: Chinese Hand) in Japanese kanji to 'karate' (Hand Empty) to make it more acceptable to Japanese society.Karate consists of two kanji.The first is 'Kara' 空 and means 'empty' And second, 'te' 手, means 'hand'. The two kanji together mean "empty hands" 空手 (pinyin: kongshou).

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

Shotokan

Goju-Ryu

Shito-Ryu

Wado-Ryu

These four streams are recognized as the main Karate style for participating in the formation of JKF and WKF.

But the world's leading karate style is not just the four styles above it. Several major streams such as Kyokushin, Shorin-ryu and Uechi-ryu are widespread to various countries of the world and are known as the famous Karate stream, though not included in the "big 4 WKF".

In Japan, the organization that embraces the Karate sport throughout Japan is JKF. The organization that houses Karate around the world is WKF (formerly known as WUKO - World Union of Karatedo Organizations). There is also ITKF (International Traditional Karate Federation) which accommodate traditional karate. The function of JKF and WKF is primarily to affirm Karate which is "without direct contact", in contrast to the flow of Kyokushin or Daidojuku "direct contact".

Basic karate exercises are divided into three as follows:

Kihon

Kata, is technique practice or karate's flower.

Kumite, which is a sparring or sparring exercise.

In today's karate can also be divided into traditional streams and sports streams. Traditional streams emphasize the martial arts and combat techniques while the sport flow is more dependent on techniques for sporting events.