Karate
Karate is a Japanese Martial Art that originated in the area of Okinawa,
Japan. Karate is known as an open hand Martial Art and is though to
have been developed by the Okinawa peoples to defend their villages.
Despite its humble beginnings, Karate is now an internationally
recognized sport.
There are four major styles of Karate, which are, Shotokan, Shito Ryu,
Goju Ryu, and Wado Ryu. All of these styles involve positioning oneself in
a low stance and using the strength of the hips to generate accurate
self-defense techniques.
Through practicing Karate, students can improve their physical strength
and their confidence. Because of the many different techniques that are
involved in Karate, students can develop an interest in a particular area
of Karate and pursue that in more depth.
Unlike some Martial Arts, Karate encourages participation and effort, over
skill and talent. In Karate, the term 'I quit' is discouraged and students are
encouraged to overcome their personal barriers. In this sense, the results
of practicing Karate often spill over into a Karate student's personal life
and enable them to overcome life's ups and downs.