Um... I know what karate is but.. I'm not sure what the whole point of it is... Like... Is it just about breaking things in half or something or is it actually something that you compete with a person... Sorry to be dumb on this.. I am really confused...
I also applied at Kenpo's Karate place.. So I hope I will do well...
2007-11-17 06:22:14 · 26 answers · asked by grace. 3 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
IT MEANS` EMPTY ORCHESTRA`?
2007-11-17 06:25:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 14⤊ 1⤋
Hi there
This really depends on which type of karate you mean. Whats taught in the west or whats taught in Okinawa and Japan? They share the same name. They may even look similar but unfortunately they are worlds apart both in meaning and application. There are a few decent schools still teaching the traditional way but if the US is anything like the UK then they are few and far between. The fundamentals watered down and replaced by harlequin gi's. Its a real shame.
Best wishes
idai
2007-11-18 20:16:10 · answer #2 · answered by idai 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Modern Karate derived from "ti", an Indigenous grappling art from Okinawa. The Okinawan people are different from Japanese in culture and language.
in the late 1300's, the Chinese government sent Envoys to Okinawa, originally called Uchina in the indigenous language.
These Envoys were known as the Sapposhi. It consisted of 36 families of Doctors, Craftsmen and Martial Artists. The Martial Artists were skilled in Fujian White Crane fist, Black Tiger and 18 Lohan Fist. The Okinawans or Uchinanshu, who were the Bodyguards of the Ryu Kyu Kingdom, incorporated principles and some of the techniques from these arts into their own "ti", which means hand.
In the 1600's the Satsuma invaded Uchina. Okinawa is the Japanese way of saying Uchina. The Uchinanshu were forced into subjection to the Japanese Empire and forced to cease training in their art.
They began to practice in secrecy and hid all the techniques in sequences and patterns called "kata".
The Japanese realized they were still practicing and forced them to teach them. The Uchinanshu refused to give away their true applications and taught them modified kata and only kicking and punching. That is where Guchin Tominakoshi (Okinawan translation for Gichin Funakoshi) was sent to teach the Japanese an abbreviated form of their art.
This is what became "karate-do" as opposed to Toudi-Jutsu, which is what the Uchinanshu called their art - China Hand Art.
Today, the present generations of Uchina call their land Okinawa. They speak Japanese and adapted the Japanese way of life.
There are still Uchinanshu who refuse to be anything other than what they are. They speak their Uchina Hogen and the Japanese for communication purposes.
By the way, Gogen Yamaguchi did not learn from Chojun Maegusuku (Chojun Miyagi< Japanese translation too).
2007-11-18 00:40:43 · answer #3 · answered by Darth Scandalous 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
IT's about "civil self-defense," to use the terminology of Karate's oldest text, the Bubishi. So, it's a way to defend yourself in a civilized world. (not in a military setting with Guns and stuff) In the 20th century, and even before though, many people have realized the benefits to the Spirit of Karate (and Kung Fu, it's predicessor) so it's used by many Zen Buddhists to obtain enlightenment. (Budo) that is why it's called the "Empty Hand Way." Emptiness refers to a Zen (uncluttered and simple) mind.
2007-11-17 19:49:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Karate is a Martial art form. It is training that can focus the mental and physical discipline of a person. If practiced one may be a more well rounded person. After all that, you can break stuff too.
2007-11-17 14:35:46 · answer #5 · answered by itsbob1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have no first hand experience with Karate (no pun intended), except watching it on TV. But a friend of mind said that "Karate" means empty hand. It is a form of self defense. But it is also much more than just that. It's discipline of the mind and body. I hope that you do well grasshopper... d:^)
2007-11-17 14:33:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Self Defense
2007-11-17 14:24:44 · answer #7 · answered by SD96 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Karate is a method of self defense originating in Japan. Compared to other styles it is a harder style of self defense (as apposed to softer) and its "point" you could say, is to build character through self defense.
2007-11-19 18:21:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Karate uses the hands where Tea Kwon Do uses the feet. The whole point of Karate is to be able to defend your self I guess...
2007-11-17 14:25:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Karate is Learning how to defend your self. When I took karate it was really fun and we would fight once a month to practice defending ourselves. I love karate and I think It's way fun and everybody should learn it.
2007-11-17 14:34:00 · answer #10 · answered by SParKLe**PrinCEss 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
karate is not all chop chop like most stereotypes are it is a self defense style that shows you techniques and katas (forms) that can be used in a real situation
2007-11-17 15:15:34 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋