Unit Description

Karate was developed primarily as a striking art that uses punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes,
as well as open-handed hitting techniques called knife-hands. It also teaches defence techniques
such as blocking and getting out of the way, including grappling, locks and throws. As the most
widely practiced style, Shotokan is considered a traditional and influential form of Karate-do.

History of Karate

There is a commonly-held belief that Karate, the art of personal combat, had its origins in Japan. In
fact, Karate originated a few hundred nautical miles away from the Japanese mainland in the Ryuku
Islands, now referred to as Okinawa. The people of Okinawa, who were mostly farmers, had devised
a way to protect themselves against the Samurai using indigenous fighting methods that were called
Te (which literally means hand) and the Chinese fighting style known as Shorin-Ji Kempo.

In the early 20th century, soon after the Japanese annexation of Okinawa, Master Gichin Funakoshi
(18681957) developed his own style of Shotokan karate (a name derived from his pen-name as a
poet which was Shoto, or the willow), and by 1932, it was being taught in training halls and
University clubs across Japan, which led to the foundation of the Japan Karate Association.

After the death of Funakoshi sensei, many students continued to teach karate, however internal
disagreements (in particular the notion that competition is contrary to the essence of karate) led to
the creation of many different organizations, so that today there is no single school, although they
all bear Funakoshi's influence. What is meant by 'karate' today has therefore evolved gradually over
decades, and is still changing, leaving no shortage of different views and debate on the subject.

In this sense, karate as a distinct martial art can just as easily be defined today according to the
particular point in history one chooses to adopt, such as for example the early teachings of the
Okinawan masters in the 1800s and the founding of the Japan Karate Association in the 1940s, or
instead one could choose a particular lineage that developed following the splintering of the JKA, or
more recent adaptations that embrace karate as an international competitive sport.

Often referred to as traditional, the practice of karate is not really that old and most clubs today will
emphasize the key features identified with Shotokan, such as low stances and generation of power
coming from kime or focus. The best approach is to experience the study of karate for yourself and
draw your own conclusions. The avid practitioner will find that there is no mystery or magic to it,
however to fully master karate, as with any of the arts, would take a lifetime.

The Philosophy of Karate-Do

In Karate, as in all other form of art, cultivation of the mind is equally important if not more so than
physical skills. The ultimate aim of karate therefore lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection
of the characters of its participants. For this reason it is important to distinguish between the
physical practice of Karate and the correct understanding for its proper use, which is Karate-Do.

Funakoshi sensei laid out the Twenty Precepts of Karate-Do (or Niju kun), based heavily on Bushido
and Zen, which form the foundations of the art, even before some of his students established the
JKA. The Dojo code or kun lists five philosophical rules derived from these principles, which are
sometimes found posted on a wall in the dojo, or recited at the beginning and/or end of each class
to provide motivation and a context for further training.

Karate-Do implies a technique that permits one to defend himself with his bare hands and fists
without any weapons, however it also represents emptiness at a fundamental level that allows the
student to train with a clear mind and conscience. This means that one must purge himself of all
thoughts in order to understand that which he receives. One who trains in this way will develop a
deeper understanding of Karate-do and is never easily drawn into a fight.

There are many kinds of martial arts in which physical training is based on the same premise, and
therefore it is no exaggeration to say that form is emptiness and emptiness is form itself. This is
synonymous with the meaning of kara in Karate-Do.

Karate Today

It was Nakayama sensei who inherited the Shotokan mantle from Funakoshi sensei in 1957 and
presided over the international expansion of Shotokan karate. The Martial Arts, particularly Karate,
became even more popular when they were added as a dramatic and action-filled genre to film
studio productions. There are currently around 23 million people involved in Karate and there is
every reason to believe that the number of practitioners (known as karatekas) will continue to
increase in the years ahead.

Many of todays students extend themselves physically and mentally to learn Karate because of
cultural interest or self-improvement whilst others are motivated for a more practical reasons such
as sport, fitness or self-defence.

The Shotokan karate style forms a great base upon which a person may develop his or her own
individualized martial art, once they have reached an a high level of proficiency denoted by a black
belt. Students typically progress through a series of coloured belts after undertaking gradings over a
period of about three years, training two to three sessions per week.

The belt system is divided into Kyu grades (beginner grades) and Dan grades (advanced grades),
which go up to 10th Dan, but very few people have ever achieved this rank because it takes many
decades to achieve the level of an absolute master. The University of Malta karate club offers
induction courses by an experienced instructor, which are provided free of charge to students and
do not include grading of technical skill. Each session requires a moderate level of physical activity,
exercises and technical instruction lasting around 90 minutes. Applicants are advised to carry out a
medical check up beforehand and any injuries or relevant medical history should be brought to the
attention of the instructor at the start of the session.

The Karate lesson

Karate training was developed specifically so that the individual can strengthen his body and mind
gradually and at a natural pace, often without even realizing his own progress. Shotokan is regarded
as a dynamic martial art as it develops anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as speed.

Classes are usually held in a 'dojo' or training hall with wooden floors or mats, which can be anything
from a purpose-built studio, to a school gymnasium. The only thing that defines a Dojo is that karate
training and teaching takes place there. A student must always bow when entering and leaving the
Dojo, and should first seek acknowledgement from the instructor if a session is in progress.

The instructor is generally referred to as Sensei or teacher, who will usually be a black belt with
years of training and experience. There are often assistant instructors, who will either be lower-
grade black belts, or brown belts.

Students should wear clothing that allows comfort for aerobic activity and stretching. A thorough
warm up takes place at the beginning of each lesson to increase circulation, relax and stretch the
various muscle groups that will be used. This minimises the risk of the muscles becoming damaged
whilst performing Karate techniques. Training is usually divided into three parts:

Kihon (Basic Training): This is line work where various karate techniques of punching, blocking,
kicking etc. are practiced, both on their own and in combination. Techniques are characterized
by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the
legs. The aim is to perfect each part of the technique through repetition so that the moves
become automatic and instinctive.

Kata (Set Pattern Exercises): These represent a series of moves performed in defined sequences
that have been passed down for generations in order to preserve techniques. They differ in
appearance from slow and graceful to fast and strong, and are beautiful to watch. They can be
performed anywhere without the need of a partner and may be practised at home to reinforce
what was taught in the training session. Bunkai is the term given to the interpretation of the
techniques within the kata.

Kumite (Sparring): Fighting techniques are practised from basic to advanced levels with an
opponent but movements are very controlled with minimum or no contact being made against
the partner. Beginner grades are given set fighting patterns that increase in difficulty as you
move towards black belt. Even at a high-grade level, control is an essential aspect of training
and full contact striking is only provided by the use of kick pads, punch bags etc.

Karate practitioners are expected to observe strict etiquette and show courtesy towards their
instructors and fellow students at all times. A good student will be mindful of the safety of others,
for example no jewellery or personal effects should be worn during the training and experienced
students will take into account the skill level of their partner, avoiding any techniques that they
would not have learned the defence for, or being too quick in their strikes leaving no opportunity for
them to be blocked in time. Similarly personal hygiene is an important consideration.

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