Karate is a material art developed in the ruykuys Islands (Okinawa) from indigenous fighting methods called (literally:’ hand’). Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and ellow strikes, and open- handed techniques such as knife- hands.

Karate developed in the Ryukya kingdom prior to its 19 Th century annexation by Japan. It was brought to the Japanese mainland in the carly 20 th century during a time of cultural exchanges between the Japanese and the Ryukyans.

Gichin Funakoshi (father of modern karate)

Today karate is practiced for self-defense and as a sport.

The world karate federation recognizes these styles of karate in its kala list.

  • Shotokan – ryu
  • Shito – ryu
  • Goju – ryu
  • Wado – ryu

Kata means literally "shape" or "model" . Kata is a formalized sequence of movements which represent various attack and defense postures.