By Jocelyn Davidson


Karate as a form of martial art has its origin in Japanese Islands known as Ryukyu. It was developed by combining various combat methods to formulate specific systems of fighting that later came to be referred to as karate. At the same time of development in Japan, versions were also being developed in other states like UK, the US, and China. That is why styles are classified as eastern or western depending on their region of origin.

This martial art is currently trained in many schools around the world due to its fast adoption in different states. For elegant classes in karate Portland Oregon is among the best places one should visit. In Portland, coaches teach karate as a striking art. They teach techniques like elbow strikes, punching, knee strikes, kicking, and open hand styles. Other versions teach restraints, vital point strikes, locks, grappling, and throws. The term karateka is used to refer to participants.

Martial art is engaged in by many people for various reasons. Some of the major reasons include gaining self defense skills, maintenance of proper mental, physical, and emotional health, fitness, hobby, and military reasons. Classes in this martial art reduce stress by a great level hence, healthy lifestyles can be attained through this discipline. Members of working class take evening classes to eliminate stress. This prepares, strengthens, and relaxes their minds and bodies for a new busy day.

In terms of self defense, karatekas are taught basic skills of defending oneself against attackers. The skills range from attacking, defending, and fleeing. A simple strike can give one enough time to flee away from an attacker or to seek for help from the police or other members of the public. The US military is currently training its soldiers in martial arts to allow them to defend themselves against unarmed but hostile members of public during riots.

Many people find this art interesting and prefer passing their time in taking classes as a hobby. Such individuals take classes solely to spend their free time and are not interested in gaining major skills or advancing in various classes in the game. Also, the exercises involved are quite important for people with weight problems hence they can be a good way of losing weight, and gaining flexibility and endurance.

This art is also a competitive sport in which participants can go as far as participating in Olympic games. As a sport, participants learn skills in the use of weapons made of metal, wood, and stone. The competitive sport emphasizes flexibility, power, anaerobic and aerobic exercises, and agility. Exercises participated in improve muscle coordination, strength, speed, and stamina. During participation in the sport, karatekas may be allowed to make partial or no contact or to make full contact.

Kata is a competitive sport under this martial art which is meant to show mastery of skills. Participants display their skills singly or in groups to viewers. Marks are scored basing on the level of perfection of a participant.

The sport also has ranks normally marked by belts. The belts are colored differently to show the rank of the karateka. The highest rank is normally the black belt. Holders of black belt are considered highly trained and have mastered all advanced skills of the game.




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