Karate (Japanese: "empty hand"),
unarmed-combat system employing kicking, striking, and defensive
blocking with arms and legs. Emphasis is on concentration of as much of
the body's power as possible at the point and instant of impact.
Striking surfaces include the hands (particularly the knuckles and the
outer edge), the ball of the foot, heel, forearm, knee, and elbow. All
are toughened by practice blows against padded surfaces or wood. Pine
boards up to several inches in thickness can be broken by the bare hand
or foot of an expert. Timing, tactics, and spirit, however, are each
considered at least as important as physical toughening. In sporting
karate and sparring (kumite) in training, blows and kicks are stopped
short, preferably within an inch of contact. Sporting matches commonly
last only three minutes, to a decision, if neither contestant has scored
a clean "killing" point in the estimation of the judges. Contests of
form (kata) are also held, in which single competitors perform
predetermined series of movements simulating defense and counterattack
against several opponents. Performances are scored by a panel of judges,
as in gymnastics. Karate evolved in the Orient over a period of
centuries, becoming systematized in Okinawa in the 17th century,
probably by people forbidden to carry weapons. It was imported into
Japan in the 1920s. Several schools and systems developed, each
favouring somewhat different techniques and training methods. Karate,
like other Oriental fighting disciplines, stresses mental attitude,
rituals of courtesy, costumes, and a complex ranking system (by colour
of belt). There is some overlapping of technique with other fighting
styles.