What is Karate, FAQ, History and More...

Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) The "father of modern karate"
Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957)
The "Father of Modern Karate"
Japanese Kanji (characters)
Japanese Kanji
Sensei Andrew Spivack
Sensei Andrew Spivack
Sensei Andrew Spivack
Sensei Andrew Spivack
What is Karate?

The word karate is a combination of two Japanese characters (kanji) – “kara” and “te”. The kanji “kara” and “te” are now interpreted as “empty hand”. Adding the suffix "-do" (“karate-do”), meaning "way," implies karate as a total way of life that goes well beyond the self-defense applications. Moreover, adding a “ka” (Karate-ka) means “a practitioner of karate”.

If we were to define Karate in only one word it would be “Budo” -- a “human development tool” used to cultivate great human character. Besides Budo karate is made up of three other themes: self-defense; physical education; and sport.

As Self-Defense, Karate is a Japanese martial art whose physical aspects seek the development of offensive and defensive movements against armed and unarmed opponents. It consists of dynamic offensive and defensive techniques which uses all parts of the body to their maximum advantage. This is done by training and forging one’s own body into a weapon keeping in mind that karate is a defensive art.

With regard to Physical Education karate is unique in that it uses every part of the human body in its practice. The karateka will forge his/her body into a weapon to use as a defense. Karate is one of the only sports that you do not need any team or equipment to practice. In addition, you can have limited space and still practice the art effectively. Essentially, karate can be performed anywhere, anytime, by anyone no matter the age or their physical condition.

Lastly, karate has become a worldwide Sport with its inclusion in the Olympics in 2020. Warwick Shotokan promotes and encourages our students to compete at local and national tournament. The use of tournaments allows the karate-ka to build confidence to perform in front of strangers and be judged on their skills. These are life lessons that will help them at school and work.

Karate History
Principles
Terminology
Why Warwick Shotokan?
What is Karate?

The word karate is a combination of two Japanese characters (kanji) – “kara” and “te”. The kanji “kara” and “te” are now interpreted as “empty hand”. Adding the suffix "-do" (“karate-do”), meaning "way," implies karate as a total way of life that goes well beyond the self-defense applications. Moreover, adding a “ka” (Karate-ka) means “a practitioner of karate”.

If we were to define Karate in only one word it would be “Budo” -- a “human development tool” used to cultivate great human character. Besides Budo karate is made up of three other themes: self-defense; physical education; and sport.

As Self-Defense, Karate is a Japanese martial art whose physical aspects seek the development of offensive and defensive movements against armed and unarmed opponents. It consists of dynamic offensive and defensive techniques which uses all parts of the body to their maximum advantage. This is done by training and forging one’s own body into a weapon keeping in mind that karate is a defensive art.

With regard to Physical Education karate is unique in that it uses every part of the human body in its practice. The karateka will forge his/her body into a weapon to use as a defense. Karate is one of the only sports that you do not need any team or equipment to practice. In addition, you can have limited space and still practice the art effectively. Essentially, karate can be performed anywhere, anytime, by anyone no matter the age or their physical condition.

Lastly, karate has become a worldwide Sport with its inclusion in the Olympics in 2020. Warwick Shotokan promotes and encourages our students to compete at local and national tournament. The use of tournaments allows the karate-ka to build confidence to perform in front of strangers and be judged on their skills. These are life lessons that will help them at school and work.

Karate History
Principles
Terminology
Why Warwick Shotokan?

Frequently Asked Question About Karate...

Yes!  The only real requirement is a disciplined commitment to work hard and train patiently. As long as that commitment is there, karate is for everyone—regardless of age, sex, or ethnic background.