Karate or Karate-Do is one of the most popular Martial Art from Japan which was originally developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa. A Karate practitioner is called a Karate-Ka.
Karate is the art of punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point strikes are also taught in some styles. Some people learn Karate as a form of self-defense, while others practice it as a competitive sport. Well there are those who practice it as a Traditional Martial Art.
The most common style of Karate found around the world is:
-Gojo Ryu
-Shotokan
-Wado Ryu
-Shito Ryu
-Kyokushinkai
(Did i not list other styles in here? Yes, because there are too many others, and like i said this are the most common style found around the world)
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| Shihan Sabri leading the Karate Training |
Questions: What's the different in the styles? or you want to know more ?
Answer: Google it up yourself :-)
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| Fukamizu Sensei from Universal Shotokan Karate Union (USKU), Japan |
A Karate-Ka wears a White Karate Gi (Uniform) & a Obi (Belt) for training. The levels of the Karate-Ka are determined by the colours of their Obi. White (Shiro Obi) for beginner, and Black (Kuro Obi) for Advance or Master. This is the same in all style of Karate style except for the other colours Obi which are different or in a different order.
For a Kuro Obi (Black Belt) there are also different ranks in it which are:
-Sho Dan
-Ni Dan
-San Dan
-Yon Dan
-Go Dan
-Roku Dan
-Nana Dan
-Hachi Dan
(This means 1st Degree Black Belt to 8th Degree Black Belt)
Usually in Karate training, the Karate-Ka train Kihon (Basic), Kata (Pattern) and Kumite (Sparring). Other forms of training like self-defense are usually taught along with the training. Karate is not just for Men, Ladies also take up this Martial Art around the world as a good form of practice both for Self-Defense and competition.
Karate is one of the most popular cultures from Japan. It can be found in almost all countries especially in school clubs to a University club, even in a private club. It is also one of the most popular competitive sports in many Games events around the world and it's also practiced by young children all the way to people at an old age. Karate is not just a form of Martial Arts; It's also a good form of fitness and health.
Photos from Brunei Shotokan Karate training.
Photos courtesy of Forest Han
More photos can be found at Online Tomodachi Facebook page
