If you ask the question to passers-by "What is karate?", Almost anyone will answer that this is a form of martial arts originally from Japan. This is where the common man's knowledge about one of the most popular martial arts ends. It is worth learning more about one of the most promising sports, because karate is a candidate for introduction into the program of the Olympic Games.
Instructions
Step 1
For the first time the term "karate" appeared at the beginning of the 20th century in China and was translated as "Chinese hand" Over time, the hand became "empty", and the word "kara" itself began to mean "emptiness" and was filled with a certain Buddhist meaning and Zen philosophy.
Step 2
How the martial art of karate appeared in Okinawa. It is the largest island in the Japanese Ryukyu archipelago. There are legends that karate arose as a result of the fierce struggle of the Japanese patriots against the invaders. It is not known how true these legends are, but the fact that at first karate was a secret martial arts is absolutely true. In 1905, karate was introduced into the educational curriculum for elementary school students in Okinawa. As a result, it began to lose the features of a struggle and more and more became similar to paramilitary gymnastics.
Step 3
Gradually, karate developed as a university sport. Students often did not want to waste time learning the basic exercises and preferred the fast learning option. This led to the fact that already in the 40s of the last century, official karate began to differ greatly from its Okinawan original.
Step 4
Now in karate there are a huge number of styles and directions, comparing their pros and cons is absolutely thankless. The main thing to remember is that all types of karate are divided into contact and non-contact. Contact karate styles: braids, ashihara, kudo and kyokushinkai involve tough sparring. In non-contact ones, such as seto-kan, shito-ryu, goju-ryu, the blow is not applied, but only indicated.
Step 5
There is a separate discipline in karate that could be called "rhythmic gymnastics for brutal men." This is the performance of "kata" or solo compositions, a kind of analogue of "shadow boxing" in boxing. Competitions of the highest level are also held in this discipline.
Step 6
Karate classes are very democratic. The main thing is to find a good coach. Gym lessons need to be complemented by self-study. Even sparring partners are not necessary for training.
Step 7
There is a traditional ranking system in karate. The first 10 categories are called "kyu" and are designated by belts ranging from white to brown. Then 10 dans follow - these are master degrees, their owners wear a black belt.
Step 8
But clothes for karate training are not called "kimono" at all. Kimono is translated from Japanese as "robe" or "clothes". And rightly, sports attire is called "karate-gi".
Step 9
You can start karate classes at any age. Thanks to them, you can develop the elasticity of the ligaments and muscles. The reaction will become lightning fast, and the nerves will become steel. At the same time, a large number of different swinging legs make it possible to improve blood microcirculation in the pelvic organs. This, in turn, leads to an improvement in potency and reproductive function in both men and women.
Step 10
Karate, like any martial arts, is not just a sport or the ability to fight. First of all, it is a certain way of life, spiritual condition and moral principles. It is believed that a person with bad thoughts cannot become a real karateka.
