The most likely is that the fight was created in China, with the name of to-de, and has a common ancestor with wushu (or kung fu). But it was in 15th century Japan, more specifically on the island of Okinawa, that the martial art was systematized. The full name, karate-do, means «way of empty hands». Others say that karate is “zen in motion”, because of the influence of Zen Buddhism on its conception. More than defeating the opponent, karate values the search for bodily and spiritual balance – hence the great importance of kata, a routine of choreographed blows that takes place apart from hand-to-hand disputes. At the end of the 19th century, the style spread from Okinawa to the rest of Japan and from there, with immigration, it reached the world.
- Several action actors stand out as karateka. Jean-Claude van Damme has been fighting since he was 11 years old and was world champion. The unbeatable Chuck Norris was a seven-time national champion in the USA
- In traditional schools, the student does not go to class without reciting the kun: a list of five precepts – all involving self-control – created by Tode Sakugawa in the 18th century
- Pat Morita, who played old Miyagi in Karate Kid, never practiced karate. The actor was a comedian who didn’t know anything about martial arts
- The best known karate styles are: Shotokan, Shorin-ryu, Gojuryu, Uechi-ryu and Shito-ryu
LITTLE CLOTHES
In gyms, it is worth wearing torso protector, shin guards and helmet at the time of the fight. In tournaments, life is tougher and you can only use a mouth guard, gloves and sneakers
TWO FOR THERE AND TWO FOR HERE
The philosophical side of fighting appears in kata practice. It involves performing fixed sequences of movements simulating a fight against an imaginary opponent. The competition is individual or in a group and the points vary according to the difficulty and precision of the blows.
BLACK IN WHITE
Until the 20th century, the Japanese trained in ordinary clothes. Since then, the white kimono has become mandatory, accompanied by a sash that indicates the fighter’s level.
ANKÖ ITOSU (1831 – 1915) Modernized fighting, unifying different styles – ambition of his master Sokon Matsumura (1809-1899). Itosu codified the strikes and movements, wrote the ten principles of fighting and taught legendary masters such as Kentsu Yabu (1866-1937), Kenwa Mabuni (1887-1952) and many others, who founded schools that still exist today.
SOURCE FEDERAÇÃO BRASILEIRA DE KARATÊ-DO, FEDERAÇÃO DE KARATÊ PAULISTA AND WORLD KARATE FEDERATION