| The scope of Japanese martial arts goes back | | | | The practice of this Japanese martial art is |
| thousands of years. Some forms of Japanese martial | | | | characterized by kicking techniques executed from a |
| arts are Kendo, Judo, Jujutsu, Sumo, Kenjutsu and | | | | fixed and stable stance and linear punching. |
| Karate to name just a few. However, there are | | | | Practitioners of this type of Japanese martial arts |
| many different forms of this ancient art that can be | | | | may use weapons developed from farm tools that |
| practiced. | | | | were once used by the peasants of Okinawa. |
| It is thought that the reason that the Japanese are | | | | Practitioners of karate also practice a lighter form of |
| so skilled in martial arts and the weapons associated | | | | the martial art and have many no-contact |
| with it is because when you compare Japan with the | | | | competitions. |
| rest of the world, their war tools evolved and | | | | Some philosophies and principals associated with this |
| changed at a much slower rate. This is believed to | | | | form of Japanese martial arts are courtesy. You are |
| have given the warrior class more opportunity for | | | | to begin and end karate with it. It is also thought that |
| studying their weapons in greater depth than many | | | | an offensive attitude has no place in karate. |
| other cultures. | | | | Those who practice karate are urged to know |
| In more recent times there has become increased | | | | themselves first in order that they may know others. |
| specialization and martial arts in Japan has taken on | | | | In order to be successful in this form of Japanese |
| the trappings of budo. Budo can be translated loosely | | | | martial art you must let your mind go free and you |
| to a higher purpose than just mastering arms. | | | | should confront all problems with the Karate spirit. |
| Japanese martial arts are quite diverse and there are | | | | This is why karate, if taught properly, can be great |
| much differences in techniques, styles, philosophy and | | | | for kids because they are able to learn mental |
| tools of training. | | | | relaxation, discipline, and self-defense all within one art |
| What About Karate? | | | | form. |
| One of the most recognizable forms of Japanese | | | | The philosophy of karate includes the thought that |
| martial arts is karate. The word karate means | | | | karate training doesn't stop in the dojo and that the |
| "empty hand." It is not defined in the strict sense as | | | | practice of this Japanese martial art is a lifelong |
| on of the Japanese martial arts because it is a fusion | | | | training. A good karate instructor should have trained |
| of a martial arts of Okinawa and Chinese martial arts. | | | | for years and should have actually gone to Japan to |
| Rather it is often referred to as a martial arts form | | | | study or be tested. |
| that was adopted and refined by the Japanese. | | | | |