Karate originated in Okinawa in the 1600s. It was developed from imported Chinese martial arts skills and refined as an advanced means of self-defense because weapons were outlawed on the island. It was originally called te, meaning hand. Later, masters adopted the prefix kara, meaning empty.

Toward the end of the 19th century, Gichin Funakoshi trained with various karate masters, then devised his own system, which he named shotokan. He spread the style to the Japanese mainland and eventually to the West. It's perhaps the most widely taught style of karate.

Other popular karate styles practiced around the world include kenpo, goju-ryu, kyokushin, isshin-ryu, shito-ryu, shorinji kempo, shorin-ryu, uechi-ryu, wado-ryu and washin-ryu. All include hard-style kicks, punches and blocks. Some emphasize linear movements, while others teach circular movements. In virtually every style, kata (forms) practice and kumite (sparring) play an important role in training.


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