Creed of Karate-Do

I face you with my empty hands,

I have no Weapons,
But should be forced If I should be forced to defend myself,
my honor, my principles, my family
As a matter of life or death, right or wrong,
Then here are my weapons My empty hands.
➢ Dojo (道場): Place to learn the Way. ➢ Kumite (組手): Sparring.
➢ Sensei (先生): Teacher/Master. ➢ Waza ( 技): Technique.
➢ Karate-ka (空手家): Karate practitioner. ➢ Kihon (基本): Basics.
➢ Kata ( 型): Arrangements of blocking, ➢ Senpai (先輩): Senior Student
punching, striking and kicking techniques in (upperclassman or upperclasswoman )
certain set sequence to simulate a combat ➢ Kiai (気合): Shout at the end of a technique.
with one or multiple opponents.

History of Karate
Where Karate Began?
Karate, the Japanese word for “empty
hands,” was born in the Okinawan Islands as
a form of self-defense, at a time when
weapons were banned by invading
Japanese forces. It began as te (hand), a
fighting style used by the natives of the
Ryukyu Islands, and was later influenced by Chinese kenpō, introduced through the
Chinese families that settled on Okinawa after trade relationships between China
and the islands were established.
From three Okinawan cities (Shuri, Naha, Tomari), each closely spaced but with
very different societal demands, three separate styles emerged:
1. Shuri-te
a pre- World War ll term for a type of martial art indigenous to the area around
Shuri, the old capital city of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri-Te is the name of the
particular type of Okinawan martial art that developed in the Shuri, the ancient
capital of Okinawa. One of the early Okinawan masters, To-De Sakugawa
(1733-1815) is credited as being one of the initial importers of Chinese martial
arts to Okinawa, in particular to Shuri, where he started the development of
the Shuri-Te style of Okinawan martial arts.
 2. Naha-te
is a pre-World War II term for a type of martial art indigenous to the area around
Nahani, the old commercial city of the Ryūkyū Kingdom and now the capital
city of the island of Okinawa. Naha-te was primarily based on the Fujian White
Crane systems of Southern China, which trickled into Okinawa in the early 19th
century through Kumemura (Kuninda), the Chinese suburb of Naha, and
continued developing and evolving until being finally formalized by Higaonna
Kanryō in the 1880s.
3. Tomari-te
Refers to a tradition of martial arts originating from the village of Tomari,
Okinawa. Based on an underground empty-handed fighting style native to
Okinawa, Tomari-te arose largely through the influence of Chinese diplomats
and other personages skilled in Quan fa, such as Wang Ji, Anan, and Ason, in
the late 17th century.
Collectively, these styles were called Okinawa-te or tode (Chinese hand), and
over time, the styles merged slightly to become just two: Shōrin-ryū, developed near
Shuri and Tomari, and Shōrei-ryū, near Naha.Because of increasing Japanese
influence, the label of te was eventually lengthened to karate-jutsu (Chinese hand
art). It then changed to karate-do after an Okinawan master altered the meaning of
the word kara (also pronounced tode) to mean “empty” rather than “Chinese
hand.” karate-do translates into “the way of the empty hand.”
Significant Dates in the History of Karate
1905: Karate is included in Okinawa’s physical education programs at the
intermediate level.
1917: Funakoshi gives the first public demonstration of karate-do.
1922: Funakoshi is invited by Dr. Jano Kano to give a demonstration at the
Kodokan Dojo, bringing karate-do to Japan.
1924: The first university karate club is established in Japan, at Keio University.
1930s: Karate makes its way to Canada.
1936: Okinawan masters meet to discuss karate in Okinawa, a meeting sponsored
by the newspaper Ryukyu Shimpo.
1939: Japan opens Shoto-Kan, its first formal training school.
1945: The first dojo is opened in the United States.
1949: The Japan Karate Association is formed.
1950s: Karate is introduced in the United Kingdom.
1960s: Karate makes its way to the Soviet Union and is banned and unbanned
several times over the next three decades.
1964: France Shotokan Karate is created in France.
1989: Karate is legalized once again in the Soviet Union.

Significant Historical Figures

Gichin Funakoshi: Founder of Shotokan.
Dr. Jano Kano: Founder of Japanese judo.
Sakukawa Kanga: One of the first Okinawans to study in China.
Itosu Anko: Often called the “grandfather of karate,” brought karate to Okinawan
schools and simplified it for increased public acceptance.
Chojun Miyagi: Named the Gōjū-ryū style.
Hironori Otsuka: Founder of the Wadō-ryū style.
Kenwa Mabuni: Founder of the Shitō-ryū style.
Modern Karate
Today, karate-do is taught all around the world, and though it is often modified
and always changing, four distinctive Japanese styles have emerged:
Gōju-ryū, Shitō-ryū, Shotokan, Wadō-ryū
THE FATHER OF MODERN DAY KARATE
Sensei Gichin Funakoshi is known as the Father of Modern Day Karate and is
probably the best known name in karate history. He was born in the city of Shuri on
the island of Okinawa in 1868 and by the age of 11, Funakoshi was training with the
great Okinawan teachers Anko Itosu and Yasutsune Azato.
At this time, it was illegal to learn martial arts, though that did not stop him and
many others practicing in secret. Around the turn of the century the art came out
into the open and began to be taught in public schools, thanks largely to the efforts
of Anko Itosu.
Sensei Gichin Funakoshi’s Development of Karate
Sensei Gichin Funakoshi earned the title the Father of Modern Day Karate in a
number of ways. One was that he adapted the training methods so that they could
be more easily practiced by everybody, regardless of age, ability or sex.
He also made karate more accessible to the Japanese by changing the meaning of
the word ‘Kara’. Originally the meaning used was ‘Chinese’ with ‘Te’ meaning ‘hand’
but the characters used for Kara could also mean ‘empty’ in Japanese.
As this fitted the style so well and because karate had developed to be very
different from the Chinese styles, it became the new meaning of the word. He also
changed the name of many of the kata, again making them more acceptable to a
Japanese culture that hated everything that was Chinese. Amongst his more
prominent beliefs was Funakoshi’s conviction that the best martial arts exponents
should be so confident that they had nothing to prove about their fighting prowess.
The true art was found in subduing an opponent without
fighting, echoing the teachings of the legendary samurai
Tsukahara Bokuden from over 400 years previously.
In 1955, Sensei Gichin Funakoshi made another
momentous contribution to the karate world when he was
instrumental in founding the Japanese Karate
Association (JKA). Funakoshi was the chief instructor but
unfortunately, the great master died not long after in 1957. However, through his most
senior students such as Hidetaka Nishiyama and Masatoshi Nakayama, Shotokan
karate lived on and grew. Today, it is practiced by millions of students and is a famous
fighting system, respected and feared throughout the world.

THE VALUE OF KARATEDO

As athletic Training
As Self Defense
As Spiritual Training
 EQUIPMENT IN KARATEDO

The Karate Gi (Outfit)

The karate gi is an extremely durable two-piece white canvas
outfit worn during karate training and classes to add resistance
and weight to the karateka. The karate gi is available in cotton for
children so that it is more cost effective and is suitable as less
durability is required for the child karateka.

The Karate Obi (Belt)

The karate obi is a belt worn around the waist to hold the karate
gi together and also used to determine the order of rank within a
class. In karate training students are often separated in
accordance with their rank in order to teach skills and techniques
that are appropriate to that group of students. Karate belt ranks
are white, yellow, green, brown and black.

Karate Protective Equipment

Protective equipment is used by students to increase
safety during kumite (sparring or fighting). Protective
equipment includes groin protection, head gear, foot guard,
mouth guards, hand mits and shin guards.
 Martial Arts (KARATEDO) MATS
Karate do competition has two disciplines: Sparring (KUMITE) and forms (KATA). Both
competition areas are flat and devoid of hazards. Competitors may enter either as an
individual or as a team.

Kumite Competition Area

The competition area is an 8m square with

an additional 2m on all sides as a safety
area.

A line half a metre long must be drawn 2m

from the centre of the competition area
for positioning the Referee.

Two parallel lines each one metre long

and at right angles to the Referee’s line,
are drawn at a distance of 1.5m from the
centre of the competition area for
positioning the competitors.
Each judge is seated at the corners on the
mat in the safety area.
The Match Supervisor is seated just outside
the safety area, behind, and to the left or
right of the Referee.
The score supervisor is seated at the official score table, between the scorekeeper and
the timekeeper.

Kata competition area

The competition area for Kumite is used for
Kata.

The Chief Judge sits in the centre position

facing the contestants and the other four
Judges are seated at the corners of the
competition area.
 SHOTOKAN BELT SYSTEM

KYU LEVELS (STUDENT LEVELS)

In Karate (as well as in many other Japanese arts), kyu ranks are considered student
ranks and represent the early stages of practice. As they progress, Karateka (Karate
practitioners) advance numerically downwards through the kyu grades, so 1st kyu (or
brown belt) is the highest or most advanced "student" rank.
White Belt (Beginner)
A white belt symbolizes the starting point or the beginning of the Karate journey.
Obviously, individuals new to Karate doesn't yet know how to control their minds or bodies,
so their white belt is a representation of both their pure nature as well as their commitment
and determination to learn and grow through Karate.

Yellow Belt (10th Kyu)

Like every belt levels, the yellow belt is acquired through an exam. At this level, the
student begins to understand the basic principles of Karate.

Orange Belt (9th Kyu)

Orange belt is awarded to the student who is starting to gain a better understanding
of Karate’s basic skills. He or she begins to understand and apply the principles of distance
management.

Green Belt (8th Kyu)

At the green belt level, the student starts to refine the skills he has learned so far. He
or she slowly get better at protecting himself or herself and at the mechanical execution of
the techniques. The green belt is more aware of their opponent's movements.

Blue Belt (7th to 6th Kyu)

At the blue belt level, the student really starts to show more significant control over
both his or her techniques and mind. During sparring, they show considerable authority over
the opponent. In self-defense, they show more control and confidence. Also, they are more
and more adept at countering.

Purple belt (5th Kyu)

That means student is going deeper to understand each move in karate and
differentiating each to gain more knowledge. Purple Belt − It indicates that the student is
very serious about acquiring new belts that is coming across next.

Brown Belt (4th to 1st Kyu)

The brown belt level is the last kyu level. At this point, the student has reached an
undeniable level of maturity both in terms of his or her martial skills and mind. Brown belts
have a high level of control over the mechanical execution of Karate techniques and are
having more and more skills in applying those techniques with a resisting partner. In terms
of self-defense, they have a better overall perception of physical altercation and combat.
DAN LEVELS (BLACK BELT LEVELS)
Dan ranks are considered advanced grades; this is where the real journey begins. A
practitioner holding a dan level is called Yudansha. Depending on the style, from the 6th
or 7th dan, there is no further examination, the rank being awarded by the headmaster, on
an honorary basis.

Shodan (1st Dan)

One with good skills who have acquired basics of Karate.
Nidan (2nd Dan)
One with fine skills who have acquired the basics of Karate.
Sandan (3rd Dan)
One with proficient skills who have mastered the basics of Karate.
Yondan (4th Dan)
One with excellent skills who have acquired the basics and applications of Karate.
Godan (5th Dan)
One with outstanding skills who have mastered the basics and applications of Karate.
Rokudan (6th Dan)
One with superb skills who have attained the deeper meaning of Karate.
Nanadan (7th Dan)
One with top-level skills who have mastered the deeper meaning of Karate.
Hachidan (8th Dan)
One who is acquainted with the mysteries of Karate and have thoroughly matured in his or
her skills.
Kyudan (9th Dan) and Judan (10th Dan)
These honorary titles are awarded to very VERY special masters.
 THE THREE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF KARATE
1. Kihon: This is the beginning, or roots, of karate-do. Punching, striking,
kicking, and blocking are the building blocks of karate, and must be
practiced regularly to create a strong foundation for Shotokan karate.
2. Kata: These are the “forms” or “patterns” practiced in karate. Kata are
the formal exercises of karate which simulate defense against multiple
imaginary opponents.
3. Kumite: Kumite is the sparring portion of karate practice. Students train
with a partner, and strive to develop strong, committed attacks and
powerful defenses

KICKS (KERI-WAZA)
 BLOCKS (UKE-WAZA)

STANCES (DACHI-WAZA)
PUNCHES (TZUKIE WAZA)

FORMS (KATA WAZA)

FORMS (KATA WAZA)
The first barrier that stopping us from doing physical activities(sports) at this time is
the COVID-19 VIRUS. We need to stay at home and follow the safety protocols.
Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate
precautions. Follow advice provided by your local health authority.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or
sneeze.
• Stay home if you feel unwell.
• If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.

Calling in advance allows your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right
health facility. This protects you, and prevents the spread of viruses and other
infections.
Masks
Masks can help prevent the spread of the virus from the person wearing the mask to
others. Masks alone do not protect against COVID-19, and should be combined with
physical distancing and hand hygiene. Follow the advice provided by your local health
authority.

Aside from Covid-19, many technological advances and conveniences that have
made our lives easier and less active, many personal variables, including
physiological, behavioral, and psychological factors, may affect our plans to become
more physically active. Understanding common barriers to physical
activity and creating strategies to overcome them may help make physical activity
part of daily life. People experience a variety of personal and environmental barriers
to engaging in regular physical activity such as sports.

Personal Barriers

With technological advances and conveniences, people’s lives have in many ways
become increasingly easier, as well as less active. In addition, people have many
personal reasons or explanations for being inactive. The most common reasons
adults don't adopt more physically active lifestyles.
• insufficient time to exercise
• inconvenience of exercise
• lack of self-motivation
• non-enjoyment of exercise
• boredom with exercise
• lack of confidence in their ability to be physically active (low self-efficacy)
• fear of being injured or having been injured recently
• lack of self-management skills, such as the ability to set personal goals, monitor
• progress, or reward progress toward such goals
• lack of encouragement, support, or companionship from family and friends
• non-availability of parks, sidewalks, bicycle trails, or safe and pleasant walking
• paths close to home or the workplace

The top three barriers to engaging in physical activity across the adult lifespan are :

• time
• energy
• motivation

In a 2013 study that aimed to identify the external and internal barriers to physical
activity and exercise participation among middle-aged and elderly individuals the
most common external barriers among the middle-aged and elderly respondents
were 'not enough time', 'no one to exercise with' and 'lack of facilities'. The
most common internal barriers for middle-aged respondents were 'too tired',
'already active enough', 'do not know how to do it' and 'too lazy', while those
for elderly respondents were 'too tired', 'lack of motivation' and 'already active
enough'.

Other barriers include:

• cost
• facilities
• illness or injury
• transportation
• partner issues
• skill
• safety considerations
• child care
• uneasiness with change
• unsuitable programs

Environmental barriers

The environment in which we live has a great influence on our level of physical
activity. Many factors in our environment affect us. Obvious factors include the
accessibility of walking paths, cycling trails, and recreation facilities. Factors such
as traffic, availability of public transportation, crime, and pollution may also have an
effect. Other environmental factors include our social environment, such as
support from family and friends, and community spirit. It is possible to make
changes in our environment through campaigns to support active transportation,
legislation for safer communities, and the creation of new recreation facilities.
 Overcoming barriers
According to our health care professionals, they can help people identify
barriers to exercise and make suggestions for how they can overcome these
barriers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention makes suggestions for
overcoming physical activity barriers:

Lack of time/Identify available time slots.

• Monitor your daily activities for one week. Identify at least three 30-minute time
slots you could use for physical activity.
• Add physical activity to your daily routine. For example, walk or ride your bike
to work or shopping, organise school activities around physical activity, walk the
dog, exercise while you watch TV, park farther away from your destination, etc.
• Select activities requiring minimal time, such as walking, jogging, or stair
climbing.

Social influence

• Explain your interest in physical activity to friends and family. Ask them to
support your efforts.
• Invite friends and family members to exercise with you. Plan social activities
involving exercise.
• Develop new friendships with physically active people. Join a group, such as the
YMCA or a hiking club.

Lack of energy

• Schedule physical activity for times in the day or week when you feel energetic.
• Convince yourself that if you give it a chance, physical activity will increase your
energy level; then, try it.

Lack of motivation

• Plan ahead. Make physical activity a regular part of your daily or weekly
schedule and write it on your calendar.
• Invite a friend to exercise with you on a regular basis and write it on both your
calendars.
• Join an exercise group or class.
 Fear of injury

• Learn how to warm up and cool down to prevent injury.

• Learn how to exercise appropriately considering your age, fitness level, skill
level, and health status.
• Choose activities involving minimum risk.

Lack of skill

• Select activities requiring no new skills, such as walking, climbing stairs, or

jogging.
• Take a class to develop new skills.

Lack of resources

• Select activities that require minimal facilities or equipment, such as walking,

jogging, jumping rope, or calisthenics.
• Identify inexpensive, convenient resources available in your community
(community education programs, park and recreation programs, worksite
programs, etc.).

Weather conditions

• Develop a set of regular activities that are always available regardless of

weather (indoor cycling, aerobic dance, indoor swimming, calisthenics, stair
climbing, rope skipping, mall walking, dancing, gymnasium games, etc.)

Travel

• Put a jump rope in your suitcase and jump rope.

• Walk the halls and climb the stairs in hotels.
• Stay in places with swimming pools or exercise facilities.
• Join the YMCA or YWCA (ask about reciprocal membership agreement).
• Visit the local shopping mall and walk for half an hour or more.
• Bring your mp3 player your favourite aerobic exercise music.

Family obligations

• Trade babysitting time with a friend, neighbour, or family member who also has
small children.
• Exercise with the kids-go for a walk together, play tag or other running games,
get an aerobic dance or exercise tape for kids (there are several on the market)
and exercise together. You can spend time together and still get your exercise.
• Jump rope, do calisthenics, ride a stationary bicycle, or use other home
gymnasium equipment while the kids are busy playing or sleeping.
• Try to exercise when the kids are not around (e.g., during school hours or their
nap time).

Retirement years

• Look upon your retirement as an opportunity to become more active instead of

less. Spend more time gardening, walking the dog, and playing with your
grandchildren. Children with short legs and grandparents with slower gaits are
often great walking partners.
• Learn a new skill you've always been interested in, such as ballroom dancing,
square dancing, or swimming.
• Now that you have the time, make regular physical activity a part of every day.
Go for a walk every morning or every evening before dinner. Treat yourself to an
exercycle and ride every day while reading a favourite book or magazine.