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Karate

What is Karate?

Karate is a traditional martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan. It focuses on striking techniques such as punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes, as well as open-hand techniques like knife-hands and spear-hands. Karate also includes various blocking techniques, stances, and forms known as katas, which are sequences of movements that simulate defense and attack scenarios.

Karate is practiced for self-defense, physical fitness, and mental discipline. It emphasizes principles such as respect, humility, and perseverance. Practitioners often wear a white uniform called a gi and progress through different belt ranks, starting from white belt and advancing to black belt and beyond, based on their skill level and knowledge.

In addition to its traditional aspects, Karate has also evolved into a competitive sport, with tournaments featuring both kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) events.

Related Article: Journey into the World of Karate: A Dynamic Japanese Martial Art

It appears, at least from my perspective, that each and every position in Jiu Jitsu regardless of the seeming complexity is really governed by no more than a handful of minimum viable products. Pursue to understand these essentials, and you will see that complexity is a myth perpetuated by lack of understanding, and it is this understanding which is possible for each of us.
Chris Matakas

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Other Glossary terms

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Taolu
Taolu (套路), often referred to as forms or routines, are choreographed sequences of movements in Chinese martial arts.
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Bushido
Bushido, often translated as "The Way of the Warrior," is a code of conduct and a way of life that was followed by the samurai, the warrior class of feudal Japan.
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Mai Sok San
In the context of traditional Thai martial arts, particularly Krabi Krabong, "Mai Sok San" refers to a type of weapon that is essentially a pair of wooden clubs or batons, often designed with a handle.
M
Tai Chi
Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), is a traditional Chinese martial art that is practiced both for its defense training and its health benefits.
T
Shito-Ryu
Shito-Ryu is one of the major styles of Karate, founded by Kenwa Mabuni in the early 20th century.
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Cestus
The cestus (plural: cesti) is an ancient form of hand protection used by boxers in ancient Greece and Rome.
C
Dhanurveda
Dhanurveda is an ancient Indian treatise on the art of warfare, archery, and martial arts. The term "Dhanurveda" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Dhanus," which means bow, and "Veda," which means knowledge or science.
D
Jun Fan Gung Fu
Jun Fan Gung Fu is a martial arts system developed by Bruce Lee before he created Jeet Kune Do.
J
Bajiquan
Bajiquan (八极拳), also known as Baji Quan or Eight Extremities Fist, is a traditional Chinese martial art that is renowned for its explosive power and close-range combat techniques.
B
Dutch kickboxing
Dutch kickboxing is a style of kickboxing that originated in the Netherlands. It combines techniques from traditional Muay Thai, Western boxing, and Kyokushin karate.
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Chin Na
Chin Na, also spelled Qinna, is a Chinese martial art technique that focuses on seizing and controlling an opponent through joint locks, pressure point manipulation, and other grappling techniques.
C
Ssireum
Ssireum is a traditional form of Korean wrestling that has been practiced for centuries.
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Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the scientific study of the mechanical principles of living organisms, particularly their movement and structure.
B
Ninjutsu
Ninjutsu, also known as "the art of stealth" or "the art of the ninja," is a traditional Japanese martial art that encompasses various skills and techniques used by ninjas (shinobi) for espionage, guerrilla warfare, and survival.
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Kimedashi
Kimedashi is a sumo wrestling technique where a wrestler forces their opponent out of the ring by immobilizing their arms.
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