Karate is perhaps one of the world’s most popular martial arts, having had its run in many movies, including the well-known Karate Kid. Karate is not considered a peaceful martial art such as Aikido, however, Karate implements a variety of striking techniques, such as punching, kicking, and open-handed strikes. The objective in the martial art of Karate is not to incapacitate an opponent by bringing him or her down through a series of joint-locks, throws and grappling techniques, it is geared more towards debilitating an opponent by getting in more strikes to areas of interest such as the neck, face or knees.

When a student begins to learn Karate, attitude has just as much to do with the form of martial arts as does perfecting a punching or kicking technique. Masters of Karate will emphasize several concepts, such as “The Three Spirits” and “The Four Sicknesses.” The Three Spirits are intended to inspire a Karate student to master his or herself and the art by embodying three essential “spirits” – a Karate student should never give up, they should have a good fighting spirit and most of all, have a good winning spirit. Similarly, the Four Sicknesses elaborate more on things that can weaken the student, such as confusion, doubt, surprise and fear. Karate students will spend much time learning how to defeat these “unseen opponents.” Without confusion, doubt, surprise and fear it is likely that a Karate student will be able to defend his or herself wholeheartedly.

A student of Karate wishing to pass forth to the next belt or level will be tested on several things, and all students are tested using the same assessments. Students of Karate will be graded on reflexes and the power and strength of their strikes, the balance and coordination they have in their position or stance, and the speed and form in which the moves are performed. Due to the variety of kicks, punches and assorted strikes used in the martial art, Karate is an excellent form of self defense that not only has become very popular over recent years but also shows no signs of slowing down.