Karate (ke-raa-ti) n. A Japanese system of unarmed self defence using hands, feet etc. [Jap. (kara empty, te hand)]
The word Karate is Japanese which means literally "emptyhand". "Kara" in the word Karate is interpreted to mean empty and "Te" means hand; so we have the Japanese word now meaning "empty-hand". At one time, "Kara" meant Chinese and so because of its' background, Karate meant "Chinese Hand". The name was changed from Chinese Hand to Empty Hand because the written characters of both interpretations were very similar and it was felt that empty was more descriptive of the word Karate. The person responsible for this change of meaning was Gichin Funakoshi who was also responsible for introducing Karate to Japan in 1921. It was then that he felt the new meaning of Karata was needed and so it was he who changed Karate to the new meaning of "Empty-Hand". It is a system of empty handed fighting against armed or unarmed opponents in which its practitioners rely not upon the use of lethal weapons of any kind but on their trained bodies. In truth, the human body is composed of many natural weapons; hands, feet, elbows, knees, etc.
The techniques for using each are many and varied. It is most important that the Karate man is never the first to attack, not only from a moral standpoint, but as a fighting principle. It is basic in that the best possible offense is a good defence. In warding off an attack, a defence is chosen that will not only block the attack but will place the defender in such a position as to make a successful counterattack. If the attack is blocked forcefully enough, in many cases there is no need for a counterattack. In some instances the attack is forestalled by anticipating it. As a matter of fact, it would be very difficult to overpower a truly skilled Karate man by any form of direct body attack.
Karate is a means of moulding personality. It is a physical, mental, and moral culture which is based upon a unique Martial Art. The purpose of Karate is not and never was one of aggression but of self-defence. From ancient times, Karate men used their trained bodies as weapons only after being attacked. This ethical principal was stressed by the Karate Masters of the past in their instruction, and in the very soul of Karate. Since Karate can be a terrible weapon, it is most important that the student of Karate develop morally in addition to developing his techniques.
Karate is a physical art. Since brute force is not required, the old and young, both men and women, can practice Karate with profit and pleasure. Profit in the sense of better health, self confidence and knowledge of self-defence. In Karate, the practitioner can suitably regulate the degree of effort according to his own capabilities and strength. Even those suffering from certain physical disabilities can easily practice Karate. No special equipment is necessary. Karate can be practiced at any time and almost anywhere by oneself or with others.
The aim of Karate. The aim of Karate is not to injure others, but to defend oneself when attacked. The Karate man should be courageous, fighting only for justice. He is never reckless for personal gain or glory. He will not lose patience nor be impetuous. He practices his art to develop his character.
Gichin Funakoshi, known as "The Father of Modern Karate" once said, "The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants."
WHY STUDY KARATE? It is erroneous to think that Karate is only for the mature young men. There can be found in Karate a curriculum suitable to both the very young whose bodies are not yet fully developed, and the elderly who wish to retain their flexibility. With proper practice, the old will become healthier and the weak will become stronger. Naturally, those who begin young will have an advantage, but that does not mean that older persons cannot profit. Women and girls, as well as men, study Karate in almost all Karate schools because of its good benefits.
Good Karate training is done in a good Karate school. This school is called a Dojo or in Korean, Dojang. The Karate Dojo provides a growing place for the developing Karate man or woman. Many extraordinary changes come over the serious students. The sluggish and undisciplined people become energetic. They learn to function well with all types of persons in the competitive system. Obese and uncoordinated people soon lose weight and become graceful. Hostile paranoics lose their hatreds and become more confident people. The competitive aggressive athletic type finds an entirely new world of challenges to his abilities. The weak unathletic type finds a way to become stronger from the daily physical training and lose their inferiority. Karate builds pride in self for them. It is the students that stay with it that get the most benefit. It lasts them all their lives. Why study Karate? Each person must answer this, after searching their own heart.