Karate - fighting with empty hands
Did you know that karate is among the five new sports added to the lineup for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo? Alongside sport climbing, skateboarding, baseball (men)/softball (women), and surfing, karate has stepped onto the global stage of athletic competition.
Originating in Okinawa, one of the southernmost islands of the Japanese archipelago, karate carries a rich heritage deeply intertwined with Japanese culture.
In my book "The Goddesses of Japan," Chapter I delves into the Creation of Japan, adopting a romantic lens to narrate the mythological tale of Izanami and Izanagi crafting the islands with the aid of the sacred spear, Ame no Nuboko. Notably, Okinawa, though integral to the narrative, remained distinct from Japan until its annexation in the late Nineteenth Century.
Gichin Funakoshi
The term "karate" (空手) translates to "empty hands," reflecting the art's emphasis on unarmed combat. According to Gichin Funakoshi, often regarded as the father of modern karate, its essence lies in purging oneself of selfish and malevolent thoughts, fostering clarity of mind and conscience to grasp the wisdom it imparts.
Karate primarily entails striking, kicking, and punching techniques, embodying both physical prowess and mental discipline. Practitioners, known as karateka, don the traditional gi during training and competitions, symbolizing their dedication to the art.
In the world of karate, there are several main modalities, each with its own distinct focus and techniques
Kata: Kata is a fundamental aspect of karate, consisting of pre-arranged sequences of movements that simulate combat scenarios against imaginary opponents. Practitioners meticulously perform these sequences with precise technique, emphasizing proper form, timing, and execution.
Kumite: Kumite, or sparring, involves live combat between practitioners. There are different forms of kumite, ranging from controlled, point-based sparring to more fluid, full-contact engagements. Kumite allows practitioners to apply their techniques in a dynamic, interactive setting, honing their reflexes, timing, and adaptability.
Kihon: Kihon, meaning “basics” or “fundamentals,” encompasses the fundamental techniques of karate, including punches, kicks, blocks, stances, and strikes. Practitioners diligently practice kihon to develop proper form, strength, speed, and coordination, laying the foundation for more advanced training.
Bunkai: Bunkai involves the practical application of techniques found within kata. Practitioners analyze kata movements to uncover their self-defense applications, exploring how each technique can be effectively utilized in real-life combat scenarios. Bunkai training enhances understanding of kata and reinforces practical self-defense skills.
Ippon Kumite: Ippon Kumite, or one-step sparring, is a training method where practitioners engage in short, predetermined sequences of attacks and defenses. This form of training allows practitioners to refine their timing, distance, and technique in a controlled environment, preparing them for more dynamic sparring situations.
Tatsuya Naka – Shotokan Karate 7th Dan, Kumite Champion
Shotokan karate is one of the most widely practiced styles of karate globally, renowned for its emphasis on strong, linear techniques, dynamic movements, and deep stances. It is also characterized by its focus on kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).
But there are other styles equally deserving of mentioning here for their strong techniques:
Wado-Ryu: Founded by Hironori Ohtsuka, Wado-Ryu combines traditional karate techniques with principles of jujutsu. Emphasizing evasion and redirection of attacks, Wado-Ryu is known for its fluid, circular movements and emphasis on tai sabaki (body shifting).
Shito-Ryu: Created by Kenwa Mabuni, Shito-Ryu incorporates elements of Shuri-te and Naha-te, two distinct styles of Okinawan karate. Shito-Ryu practitioners train in a wide range of techniques, including both linear and circular movements, with an emphasis on versatility and adaptability.
Goju-Ryu: Founded by Chojun Miyagi, Goju-Ryu karate is characterized by its integration of hard (go) and soft (ju) techniques. Drawing inspiration from Chinese martial arts, Goju-Ryu emphasizes breathing exercises, dynamic stances, and close-range combat techniques.
Kyokushin: Established by Masutatsu Oyama, Kyokushin karate is renowned for its rigorous training regimen and emphasis on full-contact sparring. Kyokushin practitioners engage in intense physical conditioning, including bare-knuckle sparring and breaking techniques, to develop strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit.
Shorin-Ryu: Shorin-Ryu karate traces its lineage to the Shuri-te and Tomari-te styles of Okinawan karate. Characterized by its rapid, agile movements and emphasis on speed and precision, Shorin-Ryu places a strong emphasis on kihon and kata training.
You Might Also Enjoy
The Beginning of the End of Feudalism in Japan
On July 8, 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States Navy, encroached on Edo Harbor […]
The Black Queen of Diamonds
THE BLACK QUEEN OF DIAMONDS I absolutely loved the story from beginning to end! I told many of my Brazilian friends I was going to
Bonsai bit-by-bit
Bonsai, the art of minituarising trees is a practice that requires patience, skills, and lots of love
Feel the Zen in an Onsen
Onsen or hot springs were deemed sacred places where people went to cure injuries and diseases
Hurray! It’s Onigiri’s Day!
The “onigiri”🍙 , is also referred to as “omusubi”. Contrary to popular beliefs, onigiri is not a kind of sushi.
Yosegi Marquetry, a Japanese Woodcraft
“Yosegi-zaiku” is the traditional Japanese marquetry technique which originated during the Edo period.
The Kano School of Painting
The Kano School of Painting was the longest lived (~400 yrs) and most influential school of painting in Japanese history…
Chocolate – Never Too Old, Never Too Late
What you have to gain by having a friend like me? You can have all
Tanabata Matsuri – keep wishing, wish it strongly…
Princess Orihime (Vega) and her beau, Hikoboshi (Altair) paid a hefty price for their passionate love.
Tomoe Gozen – the Legend Survived the Test of Time
According to an epic account written at the beginning of the 14th century
Murasaki Shikibu – Can a Woman Write?
The wordings, semantics and style used in a book usually give away
Wagashi – Sweetening it in a Japanese Way
If you have ever participated in a Japanese traditional Tea Ceremony,
Momotaro and His Oni Nemesis
What happens when you feel a wistful longing for children but can’t conceive any naturally?
Origami – the Sky is the Limit
Origami meaning “folding paper” is the Japanese art of paper folding. In modern usage, origami is used
Bandeirantes – the Brazilian Flag Bearers
The Bandeirantes, were explorers, adventurers, slavers, and fortune hunters in early Colonial […]
Brazil Palmares, Where Slaves Ruled
Palmarians shared common needs, a common fear, a common enemy, which united them under a common government […]
The Jesuits in Brazil
Once the natives were appeased by the Jesuits, they helped in the construction of houses and public buildings […]
The Jewish Sugar and the Inquisition in Brazil
The innocuous times for Marranos in the Promised Land of Brazil were not to last […]
Índios and Índias – the Native Brazilians
“They are of brown complexion of almost red color with well-shaped faces and noses…” […]
Brazilian Mythology and Folklore
Anhangá and Ticê, the Lord and Mistress of the Underworld are lovers, husband and wife, and a match made in Hell. They […]
About the Book – The Goddesses of Brazil
Brazil’s discovered is shrouded in mystery and its colonisation is stained with slavery. Yet since the dawn of its history, people have shown their fighting spirit for justice, fairness and a society where the diversification of skin color just enforces its multicultural background and the desire to live in peace and acceptance […]
Japanese Timelines, Tables, Maps and Family Tree
The Japanese Calendar, origin of the name, the alphabet, ancient units of measure, maps, and the Royal Family Tree
Japan’s Legendary Characters
Yuki-onna (the Lady of the Snow) is a spirit/ghost of the Japanese folklore. Varying from one region to another, different […]
Japan’s Notorious Sites and Buildings
The image above is a glimpse of the Tōkyō Imperial Palace, the official residence of the Japanese Imperial Family […]
Japan’s Dan-no-Ura and Ōnin Battles
The Genpei War (1180–1185) was the culmination of a decades-long conflict between the two dominant warrior clans, […]
The Samurai, the Daimyō and the Shōgun
The samurai is today one of the most iconic figures of Japan. The kanji 侍, which reads […]
The Ninja and the Kunoichi
Ninja, Shinobi-no-mono or just Shinobi were the Japan’s secret warriors, who appeared during the Sengoku Jidai […]
The Puppeteers of the Japanese Court
The image above is an old banknote of 200 yen of the Bank of Japan, portraying Fujiwara-no-[…]
The Legacies of Korea and China to Japan
The images above are sections of the Great Wall of China. The wall relates to a series of fortifications made of stone […]
The Women Who Sat on the Chrysanthemum Throne
There were eight female imperial reigns (six female emperors including two who reigned […]
The Foundation of the Country of Japan
On the eleventh day of the second month of the year Kanoto-Tori (660 BCE), Iwarebiko […]
Japan’s Earthly Rulers
Accompanied by a team of trusted kami-retainers, Ninigi-no-Mikoto leaves Takama no Hara for good. The new Ruler chooses […]
Japan’s Sacred Imperial Regalia
The legendary Three Sacred Imperial Regalia of Japan consist of the sword, Kusanagi no Tsurugi, the mirror, Yata no Kagami, […]
Japan – In the Name of All Gods
With origins dating back to the 6th century BCE, Shintō is today Japan’s largest religion, practised by nearly 80%[…]
Amaterasu vs Susanowo, who will control the Land?
When Susanowo goes to visit his big sister Amaterasu in Takama no Hara to bid her farewell, as he was […]
The Creation of the Land of the Rising Sun
In the Japanese mythology, there existed seven generations of Kamis (Deities) called Kamiyo-Nanayo (the Seven Divine […]
About the Book – The Goddesses of Japan
The epic saga of the oldest, continuous hereditary monarchy in the world – the 2600 year old Chrysanthemum Throne. The royal bloodline is traced back to the Creators of the Country and their descendants – the founders of the legendary Yamato Dynasty […]
The Japanese Starbucks
The Tokyo Starbucks was the first Starbuck coffee shop opened outside USA in 1996 and it was an instant hit
The Stonehenge of Brazil
A group of scientists and researchers have found evidence that a highly advanced ancient
Urashimataro – a Fisherman with an Edge
Urashimatarō (浦島 太郎) is a Japanese fairy tale that can be dated
Brazilian Timelines and Maps
Brazilian historical events timelines, old and current maps of the country, main states and cities […]
The First and Last French Samurai
If I mention The Last Samurai of Tom Cruise and The Republic of Ezo