Karate

Karate is Japanese in origin, but is influenced by Chinese martial arts. It involves the use of punches, kicks, open-hand techniques, and other unarmed techniques to defeat the opponent. While karate began as a form of self defense, it also developed into a combat sport and a practice of self-development. There are many different forms and styles of karate, although all include punches, strikes, kicks, and blocks. Typically, karate competitions are divided into sparring and form and points are awarded for success and technique. Karate adopted the judo rank system of "kyu" and "dan." Beginners start at a high number kyu and work up to first kyu, at which point they progress to first dan. Kyu-grade practitioners wear coloured belts, while dan-grade holders wear black belts.

Karate originated on Okinawa, Japan in the 17th century, when Japanese samurai placed a ban on weapons on the island the martial art was developed to fight armed samurai with bare hands. Karate was introduced to the rest of Japan in 1922 at a demonstration in Tokyo. Karate was brought to Canada in the 1930s, as the country saw in influx in Japanese immigrants, and in 1956 the first dojo was opened in Toronto. The 1960s and 1970s saw a dramatic increase in popularity of karate around the world with the emergence of several martial arts films, and its popularity has continued to increase since then.

Karate is a year-round activity.

Men and women of diverse ages. Although a Japanese martial art, karate is engaged with by people from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds.