KARATE

I. History/Origin of Karate
A. Development
B. Olympics/Sea Games
C. Branches
THE FOUR MAIN KARATE STYLES AND THEIR DIFFERENCES
1. Goju-ryu
2. Shotokan-ryu
3. Wado-Ryu
4. Shito-Ryu
II. Skills
A. Hand
1. Defense
 Haishu-uchi
 Haiyo-uchi
2. Attack
 Straight Punch
 Reverse Punch
B. Foot
1. Stance
a. Dachi
b. Heisoku Dachi
c. Musubi Dachi
d. Heiko Dachi
e. Hachiji Dachi
f. Shiko Dachi
g. Kiba Dachi
h. Sanchin Dachi
i. Zen Kutsu Dachi
j. Han Zen Kutsu Dachi
k. Fudo Dachi
 l. Kokutsu Dachi
m. Neko Ashi Dachi
n. Renoji Dachi
o. Seisan Dachi
p. Koshi Dachi
2. Kicks
Roundhouse Kick
Front Kick
III. Rules and Regulation
A. Local
B. International

Kumite

 Kumite rules

 Assignment of points

Kata
C. Training hall
IV. Equipment’s
 Uniforms 
 Belts
 Groin Protectors
 Mouth Guards
 Hand Guards
 Chest Protectors
 Foot Guards
V. Ranks
 Meaning of Karate Ranks & Titles
 Karate Ranking System
 Karate Titles
SUMMARY
Gwyneth Sybil R. Batacan BSBA- Business Economics

KARATE

I. History/Origin of Karate

The history of Okinawan Karate can be traced back to the late 17th
century when a ban on weapons was imposed by the samurai rulers of Japan.
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: Shuri-te, Naha-te, Tomari-te

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.”

A. Development

At the turn of the 20th century, Anko Itosu gained permission to end the

shroud of secrecy for those who wanted to learn martial arts and began teaching
Te in Okinawan schools. This led to further expansion by one of Itosu’s students,
Sensei Gichin Funakoshi, who introduced the art to Japan in 1922.

Funakoshi made many modifications to the art to make it more accessible

to the Japanese including changing the name and karate as we know it today
was born. Towards the end of his life, Funakoshi was instrumental in forming the
Japanese Karate Association (JKA) which set about making karate a world
martial art by sending out its best instructors to teach it all over the globe.
 Karate evolved in East Asia over a period of centuries, becoming
systematized in Okinawa in the 17th century, probably by people forbidden to
carry weapons. It was imported into Japan in the 1920s. Several schools and
systems developed, each favouring somewhat different techniques and training
methods. Karate, like other Asian martial-arts disciplines, stresses mental
attitude, rituals of courtesy, costumes, and a complex ranking system (by colour
of belt). There is some overlapping of technique with other fighting styles.

Today, karate is practiced by millions of people right across the world and
although the lines are often blurred between karate history facts and
exagerations or legends, the contribution made by the old Okinawan masters and
those that followed them should not be forgotten. 

B. Olympics/Sea Games

In sporting karate and sparring (kumite) in training, blows and kicks are
stopped short, preferably within an inch of contact. Sporting matches commonly
last about three minutes, to a decision, if neither contestant has scored a clean
“killing” point in the estimation of the judges. Contests of form (kata) are also
held, in which single competitors perform predetermined series of movements
simulating defense and counterattack against several opponents. Performances
are scored by a panel of judges, as in gymnastics.

The tournament will consist of four (4) categories for both men and
women, as determined for Tokyo 2020. Each NOC will have the opportunity to
register one (1) athlete for each of the eight (8) categories, with exception to any
category where they already have an athlete qualified for Tokyo 2020 through
the Olympic Standing of May 2021. The four (4) categories for both men and
women will include Kata, as well as three other classes created from the
combining of the remaining five (5) (WKF) weight categories. 

The qualification tournament features the same weight classes as the

Olympic weight classes. Only NOCs that have not qualified through Olympic
standing for a given division are eligible to enter an athlete in the qualification
tournament. The top three finishers in each division at the qualification
tournament qualify for the Olympics.

C. Branches

THE FOUR MAIN KARATE STYLES AND THEIR DIFFERENCES

The four main karate styles are Goju-ryu, Shotokan-ryu, Wado-ryu and Shito-ryu.
Each form is derived in some way from the karate established by Gichin
Funakoshi. Each one has its own techniques that rely heavily on the core tenets
of karate in general. However, they offer ways for each style to distinguish itself
and cement itself as a main style of karate while displaying the differences.  

1. Goju-ryu is a style of karate that was established in 1930 by Chojun

Miyagi who was a student of Kanryo Higaonna. This form is comprised
of formidable counter-strike movements in the offensive positions and
soft and circular blocks in the defensive positions that resemble jujitsu.
It also uses breathing power and a variety of stances that offer soft and
hard techniques capable of showing the differences between karate
styles.
2. Shotokan-ryu is a style created by the Gichin Funakoshi himself and
named after the penname he used for writing poetry. After studying in
Okinawa, he moved to Tokyo on mainland Japan and established this
style in 1938. Utilizing wide stances and linear methods, this form
enables students to deliver impressive strikes in a quick and efficient
manner using the hands, elbows, knees and feet. By far the most
popular style, this one is widely known throughout the world.
3. Wado-Ryu.This style of karate is an offshoot of Shotokan-ryu and is all
about the harmony of movements, being rather similar to the martial art
jujitsu. Hienori Otsuka created this spiritual form of karate in 1939.
Rather than focusing on contact sparring, it teaches students how to
move the body to avoid attacks. As a way of distinguishing itself from
other karate styles, this fluid form of karate uses shorter stances
compared to other ones.
4. Shito-Ryu. This fourth style, called Shito-ryu and created in 1928
by Kenwa Mabuni, is all about landing powerfully accurate strikes. A
high emphasis is placed on technique in this styles, as evidenced by
the fifty katas students learn, which are predetermined moves for
attacks and defense that student must perfect. Oftentimes, these katas
are demonstrated as part of competitions and students can be tested
on them. This particular style requires physical strength and strong
stances to perform the moves.
II. Skills

A. Hand

1. Defense

Haishu-uchi
A straight punch, Choku Zuki in Japanese, is also known as the
jab. It is the most basic punch, and you use the same technique in
other types of punches. To start, you must make a fist, which you do
by folding your fingers (excluding your thumb) down so that the pads of
your fingertips touch the joint where your fingers meet your palm. Next,
bend your knuckles at the base of your fingers to tuck your fingers into
your palm. Lastly, tuck your thumb between the first and second
knuckles of your fingers. Do not tuck your thumb inside of your fingers,
or you may break it on contact. Now you have formed a punch!

When you throw your punch, you always want to strike with the
pointer and middle finger knuckles at the base of your fingers. This is
the strongest part of your hand and will keep you from fracturing
your fingers or the bones in your

Haiyo-uchi
This page provides details on the martial arts “Ridge Hand Strike”. In
this open hand technique, the martial artist hits a target with the thumb
side of their open hand (versus the knife hand strike where they are
hitting with the pinky side of their hand). Martial artists need to be
careful and tuck their thumb into their palm in order to avoid breaking it
when striking a target. For information on other punching & striking
techniques, please visit Black Belt Wiki’s main Punches &
Strikes section.
2. Attack

Straight Punch (Choku Zuki)

A straight punch, Choku Zuki in Japanese, is also known as the
jab. It is the most basic punch, and you use the same technique in
other types of punches. To start, you must make a fist, which you do
by folding your fingers (excluding your thumb) down so that the pads of
your fingertips touch the joint where your fingers meet your palm. Next,
 bend your knuckles at the base of your fingers to tuck your fingers into
your palm. Lastly, tuck your thumb between the first and second
knuckles of your fingers. Do not tuck your thumb inside of your fingers,
or you may break it on contact. Now you have formed a punch!

When you throw your punch, you always want to strike with the
pointer and middle finger knuckles at the base of your fingers. This is
the strongest part of your hand and will keep you from fracturing your
fingers or the bones in your hand.

Reverse Punch (Gyaku Zuki)

Traditional gyaku-ZUKI is performed from a position with shoulders
extended frontally, which practically does not happen in situations
of real self-defense. 
The traditional gyaku-ZUKI strike has the following main
distinguishing features:
1. The fist, ready to strike, clenched but relaxed, turned palm up
and is in its original position at the ribs (at the side of the body).
2. The second fist, clenched and tense, is extended with the palm
down, and the hand is fully extended forward.
3. To strike, the hand moves forward, pressing against the
body; and, as soon as the elbow passes the body, the striking fist
begins to rotate inward until the moment when the arm is fully
extended, and the fist is in a horizontal position, palm down. At the
same time, the other hand performs the exact opposite movement
and is pulled towards the hip.
4. The fist moves in a straight line from the starting position to the
target. To develop maximum impact force, the elbow must be
pressed against the body. Abduction of the elbow from the body
bends the arm upon impact, thereby weakening the impact.
5. The blow is applied to the first two joints of the fist, with the wrist
extended. Beginners often flex the wrist or hit the target with
weaker joints. These common mistakes can result in injuries
ranging from a dislocated wrist to a "boxer fracture" (typical
destruction of the small bones of the hand).
B. Foot
1. Stance
In Karate, there are many different stances, each serves a different purpose in terms of
movement, defense and offence. It is crucial for Karate students to learn proper stances
early in their practice as stances are really the foundation of an effective Karate, both in
terms of self-defense and biomechanics. Please note that there are slight differences
from style to style in terms of stances.

Stances used in Karate[5]

Japanese English
Dachi Stance
Heisoku Dachi Closed foot stance (feet together)
Musubi Dachi Heels together - feet at an angle
Heiko Dachi Parallel stance (feet shoulder width apart)
Natural stance (feet shoulder width apart - toes slightly
Hachiji Dachi
pointed out)
Shiko Dachi Straddle leg stance
Kiba Dachi Horse riding stance
Sanchin Dachi Hourglass stance
Zen Kutsu Dachi Front Stance
Han Zen Kutsu
Half front stance
Dachi
Fudo Dachi Free stance
Kokutsu Dachi Back stance
Neko Ashi Dachi Cat stance
Renoji Dachi "L" stance
Seisan Dachi Side facing straddle stance
Koshi Dachi Squat stance

2. Kicks

Roundhouse Kick (Mawashi Geri)

A roundhouse kick is called Mawashi Geri in Japanese. It is a fast kick that
gets its power from twisting your hips. It follows the same steps of chamber, kick,
chamber, down like the front kick. To perform a roundhouse kick off your front
 leg, make sure that you are standing to the side of your target. Raise your leg up
to the side of you while leaning slightly back and bend your knee and ankle so
that your shin is tucked and there is a straight line from your shin bone down the
top of your foot. To kick, extend your leg in a snapping motion and hit with the top
of your foot. Bring your leg back into chamber, then lower it to the ground.

Front Kick (Mae Geri)

One of the most basic kicks is the front kick, Mae Geri in Japanese. The
front kick can be thrown from either your front or back leg when you are standing
in a fighting stance. It can also be thrown as a snapping front kick, which is a
quick and sharp motion, or as a thrusting front kick, a longer more powerful
motion used to push someone away.

When performing any kick, you want to follow four simple steps: chamber,
kick, chamber, down. Front kick is no different. To chamber a front kick, you bring
your leg up, so your thigh is perpendicular with the floor, with a bent knee and
bent ankle. This is readying your kick. Next, extend your leg in either a snapping
or thrusting motion up and forward, keeping your ankle bent so that you hit your
target with the flat of your foot. Bring your foot back into chamber and then bring
your leg down to finish the kick.
a.

III. Rules and Regulation

A. Local

 Karate Kumite matches take place on a matted square of 8m x 8m with an

additional 1m on all sides that is called the safety area.
 Once the referee and judges have taken their places, competitors should
exchange bows.
 The fight starts when the referee shouts “SHOBU HAJIME!”
 Both fighters should attempt scoring techniques (punches, kicks and throws)
on their opponent. These are classified as Yuko, Waza-ari and Ippon and are
one, two and three points respectively.
 If the referee deems a scoring technique may have been used, the referee
shouts YAME and the contestants, judges and referee all resume their
original positions.
 The judges will then indicate their opinion by means of a signal and if a score
is to be awarded, the referee identifies the contents and the area that they
attacked and then awards them the relevant socire (Yuko, Waza-ari or Ippon)
and then restarts the bout by shouting “TSUZUKETE HAJIME!”
 If one competitor establishes a clear lead of eight points during a match, then
the referee calls a halt to the bout and declares them the winner.
 If no competitor establishes a clear lead of eight points during the fight, then
the fighter who has the most points is declared the winner.
 In the event of the points being level, the referee and the judges will decide
who is the winner of the bout.
 Fights can end earlier if one competitor is knocked down and is not in a
position to carry on or if one fighter is disqualified.

B. International

The Olympic karate competition will put eight gold medals in dispute: six for
the Kumite (fight) competition (with three weight categories for each sex) and
two for the Kata (form) competition (one for each sex).
The main rules for Kumite and Kata competitions are as follows:
Kumite
The individual tournament for the Kumite competition at the World Karate
Federation (WKF) Karate World Championships is held under a weight class
system comprising five divisions each for both men and women. ] However,
the Kumite competition at the Summer Olympics will consist of just three
divisions each, thus:

 Weight classes for men: −67 kg, −75 kg, +75 kg

 Weight classes for women: −55 kg, −61 kg, +61 kg[14]
Kumite rules
In any category, fights last for up to three timed minutes (i.e. the clock stops
every time the referee says yame). During that period, the winner is
considered to be the karateka who scores eight points more than their
adversary. If this does not happen, the person with more points at the end of
the fight is the winner. If the fight ends up tied, a decision will be given
through the senshu rule, the contestant that scored the first unopposed point
wins
Assignment of points
Points are earned as follows:

 Ippon (three points): for hitting the head or neck of the opponent with a
kick, or when any technique is applied to a fallen adversary.
 Waza-ari (two points): for applying a kick to the belly, side, back or torso
of the opponent.
 Yuko (one point): for delivering a punch with closed hand (tsuki) or strike
(uchi) to the head, neck, belly, side, back or torso of the opponent.
Strikes below the belt are strictly forbidden and strength must always be
controlled as the fighter will receive a warning if they hurt their opponent,
 points may be lost or there may even be a disqualification if the resulting
injury is severe. Knocking an opponent down to the floor without at least
attempting to strike him/her is also liable to be punished
Warning levels:

 Chukoku (first warning): for committing a minor infraction for the first time.
 Keikoku (second warning): for the same minor infraction, or for
committing a medium infraction for the first time.
 Hansoku-chui (third warning): for committing the same minor infraction for
the third time, the same medium infraction for a second time, or for
committing a major infraction for the first time (usually excessive contact
to vital parts or below the belt, really hurting the opponent).
 Hansoku (fourth and final warning): inflicting serious damage on the team
score as a whole. The victory is given to the opponent.
Warnings and punishments are divided into two different categories, the first
being for excessive and/or illegal contact and the other for technical
violations, such as leaving the koto (fighting space) or faking an injury in
order to make the referee give the opponent a warning.
Kata
Competitors are judged on the power and correctness of their techniques.
Under conventional competition rules, one competitor is assigned a blue belt
and the other a red belt, and each takes a turn in demonstrating his or her
kata. The outcome of the competition is determined under a flag system,
where five judges who each have a blue flag and a red flag raise either to
signal which competitor, they believe, won: the one with more flags raised in
his or her favour is declared the winner. However discussions are still
ongoing into the judging system, including whether to use a scoring system
rather than the flag system.[
Due to the immense number of karate styles, each with its own katas, only
katas from the styles recognized by the WKF (Gōjū-ryū, Shitō-
ryū, Shotokan and Wadō-ryū[18]) are allowed in the Olympics. The lack of
representation of other karate styles in the kata competition generates
criticism from practitioners of these styles
C. Training hall
1. Each person must strive for completion and perfection of one’s character. This
means we should never stop learning. Setting goals is good but as soon as they
are achieved we need to set our sights on the next goal. To seek perfection in
character is to always seek to improve oneself.
2. Each person must be faithful and protect the way of truth. This is not only being
truthful to others, to your obligations but also to yourself. To be truthful to
yourself you have to do your best in everything you do.
3. Each person must endeavour to be their best. This is trying hard at everything
you do.
 4. Each person must respect others and the rules of etiquette. A true martial artist
always shows respect to other people. Showing respect is a sign of humility
which is necessary for an open mind, which is in turn necessary to learn and
grow.
5. Each person must refrain from violent behaviour and misuse of Karate. A martial
artist should always be in control.

IV. Equipment’s

Uniforms
You’ll need a uniform (called a gi) whether or not you spar. This uniform will include
both pants and jacket. This is probably the most recognizable piece of karate equipment,
and it’s likely the first piece of gear you’ll purchase – but don’t just buy the first one you
find. Chances are you’ll be wearing it in every class, so do some research first.
 
 
Belts
Karate students wear colored belts to signify their level of experience in the discipline.
Belt order typically goes white, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, red, and
then black. Additionally, many schools will use stripes to designate advancements within
ranks: for example, green with a stripe is higher than green, but still below blue.
Groin Protectors
Cups are an essential part of martial arts gear for males. Even if you’re not participating
in full-contact sparring, it’s a valuable piece of equipment. It doesn’t take much force for
to make an accidental kick quite painful. For light sparring, a simple compression
short/cup combo may be all you need, but if you’re going to ramp up your training, you
might look into something heavier-duty.
 
Mouth Guards
You know that a mouth guard covers your teeth, but it has a more important role too. A
correctly fitted mouth guard can also help your jaw, and may even reduce the risk of
concussion. Most mouth guards are designed to fit any mouth, and come in adult and
youth sizes. Many martial artists and athletes use simple “boil and bite” mouth guards,
which use hot water and your teeth to get a custom fit.  
 
Hand Guards
Hand guards, also called gloves, come in many different shapes and sizes. Karate
gloves are different than MMA or boxing gloves.  Boxing gloves tend to be the largest of
the three. They have closed fingers and thumbs and thick padding all the way around
the fist, as well as a “mitten” shape, with all the fingers together and thumb separate.
MMA gloves have open, separate fingers and an open thumb, and have thinner padding
for more hand dexterity.
Chest Protectors
A chest protector reduces the chance of injury to the ribs and stomach during karate
sparring (plus, the look kind of like armor, which is pretty cool). This equipment is
specially designed with lightweight material to allow for a large range of motion. As a
result, you don’t have to sacrifice agility for coverage. Chest protectors come in a variety
of designs. Vests may feature adjustable straps and hook-and-loop closures for a secure
fit. Rib guards may fasten with clips for easy on and off. Many are dual-color and
 reversible so that sparring partners can be easily distinguishable to judges and
spectators during tournament competitions.
 
Foot Guards
Karate has a lot of kicking, so you’ll definitely want this piece of equipment! You can
reduce your risk of painful bruising or broken bones with the right foot guards.

V. Ranks

Meaning of Karate Ranks & Titles

Most Karate styles use a 10 kyu and 10 dan system borrowed from Judo. This system is
also used by other Japanese martial arts. The “Black Belt” was designed as a way to
show competence in the art, not mastery of it. Achieving 1st dan is the beginning of the
journey, hence why kyus count down and then dans count up.

Karate Ranking System

 No grade: white belt, though some schools use white as 10th kyu
 10th kyu: usually yellow belt
 9th kyu: usually orange belt
 8th – 4th kyu: some order of blue, green, purple and sometimes red, and sometimes with
two kyu’s per color
 3rd kyu: brown belt
 2nd kyu: brown belt
 1st kyu: brown belt
 Provisional Black Belt: (shodan-ho) “old school” trial black belt, basically meaning that
you get your black belt but have to show over time that you have truly earned it. Not
often used in modern school.
 Junior Black Belt: similar to provisional black belt but for teen students who have the
knowledge of a 1st dan but not the life experience, and physical capabilities of an adult.
(this is sometimes a blackbelt with no dan stripe or a bicolor black/white belt)
 1st – 5th dan: Black Belt (shodan, nidan, sandan, yodan, godan)
 6th – 10th dan: “Black Belt” that is sometimes bicolored or with additional stripes often
red, white, or gold. These dans are almost exclusively given not for learning new katas
and moves but fine tuning the art within yourself, helping others though the art, and
overall dedication.

Related Pages – Shotokan Belt Levels

Karate Titles

 Dai-Sempai: dai meaning “big” or great” and often used in the context “big brother of the
class” (usually given to a 1st kyu brown belt and junior black belt)
 Senpai/Sempai: means “mentor” or “senior” often used to indicate an assistant
instructor (usually 1st and 2nd dan)
  Sensei: means “one who came before” or has walked the path before and often used to
indicate a fully capable teacher (usually given at 2nd or 3rd dan but can be given later)
 Shihan: is a master title for a senior instructor (earlies given at 4th dan) and equivalent
to a doctorate degree
 Renshi: is a master title meaning “polished expert” (usually given at 6th dan)
 Kyoshi: is a master title meaning “teacher of teachers” (usually given at 7th dan)
 Hanshi: is a master title for the head master of a style
 Soke: is the absolute head of a style
 Shodai-Soke: is the founder of a style

SUMMARY

Karate is a Japanese martial arts technique that needs development of defensive attack and
counter attacking body movements. Although this game teaches an individual the art of
attacking and self-defence, the sole motive is the self-improvement. Discipline, persistent effect,
mind balance are some key words that defines best a Karate practiser. The word Kara means
Empty and Te means Hand. A suffix Do (Karate-do) adds meaning of defending himself empty
handed.

Winning a battle is not the only aim in karate. It is the best efficient way of using the human
body to learn self-defence through blocking, punching, blowing and kicking techniques. It
balances both the body and mind as well. It also teaches an individual to possess gratitude of
restraining himself from any violent attack before the start of any actual fight.

Although the origin of Karate was in between Japan and China but soon it started to
spread its wings throughout the globe due to its immense feature and art of self-
defense. Today nearly 180 countries are actively involved in exploring this game under
World Karate Federation.
In total about 39 countries in Asia take active participation in this game. Asian Karate
Do Federation (AKF) is the governing body, a non-profitable organization recognized
by World Karate Federation. Apart from China and Japan, the list of countries include
India, Bangladesh, UAE, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Iran, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Pakistan and many more.
Apart from Asia, the game do has its popularity in many non-Asian continents like
Europe, Africa, Pan America and Oceania. Every individual has its own federation to
govern and run the Game successfully.