The Art of the Empty Hand

Discover the Art of Karate

Karate is a martial art shaped by centuries of practice, discipline and cultural exchange. From its development in Okinawa to its spread throughout Japan and the world, karate has become a practice of physical skill, self-control and continuous improvement.

Okinawa Roots of Karate

The Origin

Where Did Karate Begin?

Karate developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom, particularly Okinawa, through the development of local fighting traditions and influences from Chinese martial arts. Over time, different teachers and communities refined these practices into systems that later became known collectively as karate.

During the early twentieth century, Okinawan teachers introduced karate more widely to mainland Japan. Its training methods became increasingly organized, and karate later spread internationally through instructors, schools and martial arts organizations.

空手

Karate — “Empty Hand”

The modern Japanese characters used for karate express the idea of the “empty hand.”

From Okinawa to Japan

The Development of Modern Karate

Karate changed considerably as it moved from Okinawa into mainland Japan and later around the world. Teachers developed structured methods for teaching fundamentals, forms, partner work and sparring.

Okinawan fighting traditions formed an important foundation for the development of karate.
Karate was introduced and demonstrated more widely in mainland Japan during the early twentieth century.
Different teachers and organizations contributed to the development of distinct karate styles and training approaches.
Today karate is practiced internationally for traditional martial arts, physical development, self-defence and competition.

More Than Fighting

Values Developed Through Karate

Karate training combines physical practice with habits such as concentration, control, consistency and respect for training partners and instructors.

Discipline

Regular practice encourages consistency, patience and control over movement.

Respect

Etiquette and respect for instructors, partners and the dojo are important parts of traditional training.

Focus

Techniques and kata require attention to timing, balance, posture and precision.

Strength

Training develops coordination, mobility, balance, endurance and controlled power.

Karate Training

Three Important Areas of Practice

Karate training commonly includes fundamental techniques, formal sequences and partner-based practice.

01 / KIHON

Fundamentals

Practice of fundamental techniques including stances, punches, blocks and kicks.

02 / KATA

Forms

Structured sequences of techniques that develop movement, balance, timing, technique and focus.

03 / KUMITE

Partner Practice

Training with a partner develops distance, timing, reaction and application of technique.

A Brief History

The Journey of Karate

EARLY DEVELOPMENT

Ryukyu Islands

Local fighting practices in the Ryukyu Kingdom developed over time alongside influences from Chinese martial traditions.

OKINAWA

Development of Karate

Teachers in Okinawa developed and transmitted systems of striking, defensive movement and formal training.

EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Mainland Japan

Okinawan instructors introduced karate more widely to mainland Japan, where organized instruction expanded.

INTERNATIONAL GROWTH

Karate Around the World

Karate spread internationally through instructors, dojos, associations, universities and competitive organizations.

TODAY

A Global Martial Art

Karate is now practiced worldwide in traditional, recreational, self-defence and competitive settings.

Karate is not only about learning how to punch or kick. It is a long-term practice of technique, control, discipline and continuous improvement.

The principles and emphasis of training can vary between karate styles, organizations, instructors and dojos.