KAZUKO NISHIMURA

Karate – fighting with empty hands

Kazuko Nishimura

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.

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