What is karate, in general, everyone knows. However, in reality this, of course, is not so. As for many aspects related to this martial art, there are widespread misconceptions. It is noteworthy that not even all those involved in it can answer what the word "karate" means.
This is actually a "Chinese hand." This is a variant of the struggle, borrowed in China. For hundreds of years, karate has been cultivated in Okinawa, while in Japan no one knew about it yet. Once, three Okinawan fighters in Japan opened local karate schools, which were later called classical. During the heyday of the Empire, Japanese roots were sought in everything. The same applies to karate. The hieroglyph “Kara,” meaning China, was replaced by the same-sounding “empty.” The "Chinese hand" has turned into an "empty (unarmed) hand." In this sound, the Japanese learned about what karate is. In this version, the authorities supported a new martial art with a Japanese name.
Unprepared viewers, seeing how hard objects are broken with their hands, attribute supernatural effectiveness to the technique. There is really no place for a demonstration. Karate is the path that all life follows, strengthening the spirit and tempering the body, discovering new abilities. This art does not teach striking techniques and the ability to break bricks; it introduces another way of life in which everything is interdependent and there is harmony. To understand what karate is, it must be perceived as a philosophy, and not as a sport. The purpose of karate is to help society, and not to hurt people.
The main goal of this martial art is defense training. There are no victories or defeats in this kind of art, because it is not quite a sport. Although now it is precisely the way it is perceived by the majority. Yes, indeed, it is also a combat sport, which exists in 3 forms: kumite (freestyle wrestling), kata (exercise system) and tameshivari (breaking objects).
If you choose a sport, then the karate trainer will help you determine the direction. However, first of all, this is still a self-defense technique that turns your body into a weapon. This technique of warfare is characterized by a variety of ways to counter possible opponents. Regardless of which technique the enemy chooses, there will always be a part of the body that is unprotected, which allows for countermeasures and repel the attack.
The gradation of mastery is reflected in karate belts and degrees. Student degrees - kyu (total 9), workshops - dan (9). The colors of the belts vary in skill level. The higher the level, the darker the shade. Previously, there were only 2 student belts, but now there are seven (from white to brown). Masters wear black.
If you want to feel what karate is, check out its basic tenets. An extreme degree of determination is important in this art. In no case should you lose your temper, even if you are being attacked with weapons (including firearms). It is not allowed to attack first, and use your skills only for defense. If you agree with this, then karate is for you.