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A Brief History of the Martial Arts
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Karate The word "Karate" means "empty hand." This style was developed nearly a thousand years ago by the Okinawans while they were under Chinese occupation. Most styles of Karate emphasize strikes (e.g. punches, chops, elbow blows) more than they emphasize kicks. Gojo Ryu Karate, a distinctly Okinawan style, is composed of both "go" or hard techniques and "ju" or soft techniques. This style of Karate includes foot sweeps and backfist strikes. Shotokan Karate demands that a practitioner learn a few techniques very well. "Kata" or forms are practiced over and over until the techniques are mastered. A master of Shotokan Karate seeks to end a violent encounter with a single strike. Related Site: www.ska.org copyright © craig boyer 2002 |
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