Karate is a martial art developed on the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It developed from the indigenous martial arts
of Ryukyu Islands (called te (手?), literally
"hand"; tii in Okinawan) under the influence of Chinese martial arts, particularly Fujian White Crane.
Karate is now predominantly a striking art using punching, kicking, knee strikes, elbow strikes and open hand techniques such as knife-hands, spear-hands, and palm-heel strikes. Historically and in some modern styles grappling, throws, joint locks, restraints, and vital point strikes are also taught.
Karate developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom. It was brought to the Japanese mainland in
the early 20th century during a time of cultural exchanges between the Japanese
and the Chinese. It was systematically taught in Japan after the Taisho era. In 1922 the Japanese Ministry of
Education invited Gichin Funakoshi to Tokyo to give a karate demonstration. In 1924 Keio University established the first
university karate club in mainland Japan and by 1932, major Japanese
universities had karate clubs. In this era of escalating Japanese militarism, the name was changed
from 唐手 ("Chinese hand" or "Tang hand") to 空手 ("empty
hand") – both of which are pronounced karate – to indicate that the
Japanese wished to develop the combat form in Japanese style. After World War
II, Okinawa became an important United States military site and karate became popular
among servicemen stationed there.
The martial arts movies of the 1960s and 1970s served to greatly increase
the popularity of martial arts around the world, and in English the word karate
began to be used in a generic way to refer to all striking-based Oriental martial arts. Karate
schools began appearing across the world, catering to those with casual
interest as well as those seeking a deeper study of the art.
I think Karate is a good sport to be taught in school because not only will
it teach you discipline, respect, and proper values regarding peace… it also
teaches you self defense. I’ve studied karate before and the Sensei has always
reminded us that Karate isn’t for violence. It has never been for violence. It’s
an art, a sport, or for self-defense. People should study Karate to get to know
themselves and the capabilities of their bodies more. It’s never for revenge or
to inflict pain. Karate is for discipline and for the ability to protect
yourself and others from harm.
I think Karate should be in schools more, to teach students discipline and
to teach them how to protect themselves. Especially during this time where
human-trafficking, rape, kidnapping, and murder exist. Students should be able
to know how to protect and defend themselves.
Karate can be a sport, but it also can be something students can actually
benefit from.
