KARATE – Origin and Philosophy
Okinawa, an island south of Japan. In the three towns of Tomari, Shuri, and Naha, self-defense techniques (“Te”) continued to develop. Tomari-Te (Shorin-Ryu), Shuri-Te (Shorin-Ryu), and Naha-Te (Shorei-Ryu) emerged. Karate is a martial art whose origins date back some 520 years A.D. Chinese monks, who were not allowed to carry weapons, gradually developed a special martial art for self-defense from gymnastic exercises. This martial art was also regarded as a path of self-discovery and self-experience. As a sport, karate is relatively young: only at the beginning of this century did a competitive sport with its own set of rules develop in Japan from the traditional martial art. Even today, Far Eastern philosophy is reflected in Karate-Do. Translated, “Karate-Do” means “the way of the empty hand.”
In the literal sense, this means: the karateka (karate practitioner) is unarmed; his hand is empty. But “Kara” (empty) is also an ethical aspiration. According to this, the karateka should free his inner self from negative thoughts and feelings in order to be able to act appropriately in everything he encounters. In training and competition, this high ethical standard becomes concrete: victory or defeat is not the true goal; rather, it is the development and unfolding of one’s own personality through self-control and utmost concentration. Respect for one’s opponent stands above all else.
Unfortunately, karate is often equated with breaking boards. This prejudice stems from public demonstration shows aimed at spectacle, which present karate as circus-like acrobatics. In reality, however, karate is anything but a sport for show-offs. In training and competition, kicks and punches are stopped before impact. This requires self-discipline, a sense of responsibility toward one’s partner, and, of course, good body control, which is systematically developed in Kihon (basic training). Because of its diverse demands on body and mind, karate is ideal as a counterbalance to the stresses of everyday life: the karateka trains strength, endurance, speed, and flexibility. That keeps you fit! Through relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and meditation, he increases his ability to concentrate and sharpens his awareness of his own body.
KARATE – A Modern and Effective Self-Defense
Many karateka practice their sport in order to be able to defend themselves in an emergency. And indeed, karate is an effective and practical form of self-defense. Strength and physical stature play only a subordinate role in karate self-defense. More important are speed, agility, and composure. Only those who do not panic during an attack can defend themselves effectively. Therefore, special courses convey not only technical skills but also the psychological components of self-assertion and self-defense. These aspects make karate self-defense particularly interesting for women and girls.
KARATE – A Sport for All of Us
Whether as a compensatory sport, general fitness, or self-defense, karate offers people of all ages and interests a wide range of athletic opportunities. Karate is not only exciting for young and old alike. Through its versatility, karate promotes health and well-being. For this reason as well, many young and older people have chosen this sport. In most clubs, there are beginner courses that make getting started easy: step by step, skill and performance increase. The colored belts of the martial arts serve as both guidance and motivation.
In karate, two competitive disciplines are generally distinguished: in “Kumite” (free sparring), two karateka face each other on a competition area and attempt to score valid punching, striking, and kicking techniques. The criteria are designed so that injuries to the opponents are excluded: anyone who does not adhere to them is disqualified!
The discipline “Kata” is a sequence of precisely defined offensive and defensive techniques against several imaginary opponents approaching from different directions. Around 50 different kata are distinguished, whose aesthetics lie in the harmony of fighting spirit, dynamics, and rhythm. Some kata have been passed down from generation to generation over centuries and bear witness to the tradition of karate. Participation in competitions and tournaments is open to every club member—whether in kumite or kata is a decision each individual makes for themselves!