Karate do is a Japanese martial art. It is very popular in Japan as well as in many countries outside Japan. In fact, it is one of the most popular martial arts disciplines in the world.

Karate was based on systematic exercises devised by a Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma. These techniques were developed to strengthen both body and the mind. Many Oriental martial arts have their roots in Bodhidharma’s teachings. Modern Karate originated in a region called Okinawa in Japan. Initially, Karate was a martial fighting technique. But over the years, it has developed into a recognized sport popular throughout the world. Karate do literally means the way of the empty hand. Initially, weapons were used in this discipline. But use weapons were banned by the authorities. So, Karate developed as a martial art where bare hands and feet were used.

Like many Oriental martial arts, Karate too requires a lot of discipline and hard work. It is not only a fighting technique. It is also a way of life. It provides the right balance of mind, body, and soul. Agility and suppleness are two of main ingredients of a Karateka. A Karateka is an exponent of Karate Do. A good Karateka is supposed to possess a combination of a few important ingredients such as power, speed, and reflexes. Balance and coordination are also essential for a practitioner of Karate. Karate is a sport that teaches both physical skills as well as mental skills. Karate teaches us to be faithful and to respect others. Violent behavior is also prohibited in real Karate training. Ultimate control of the body and mind is the goal of a Karateka. Coordination of body and mind is what a Karate master looks from his pupils. Karate also teaches us to build a strong and exemplary character.

Modern Karate training is organized into a few very distinct components. These include the fundamentals, sparring, and forms. Forms or katas help the practitioners to fine tune the actual movements used in combat. It is generally a combination of specific movements which are used to either attack or defend an opponent’s moves. Katas prepare a practitioner for the next stage of Karate training which is sparring. Sparring provides the actual feel of the techniques to be used in combat. Sparring is a very important staged for the Karatekas. Here they can fine tune all the techniques learnt at the Dojos. The Karatekas can gauge their strengths and weaknesses during sparring. Competitions are held for both Katas and sparring.

Karate is popular in many countries around the world as a fitness tool which can be effectively used for proper body conditioning. The ability to defend oneself through Karate also helps the practitioner to be confident and fearless.