What is Japanese Style Karate Called?

Karate, a form of martial arts, has been practiced for centuries in Japan. Though it originated in Okinawa, Japan, Karate has spread across the world and has now become a popular form of self-defense. One of the most popular styles of Karate is the Japanese style, which is known for its powerful striking techniques and focus on discipline. In this article, we will explore what Japanese style Karate is called, its history, techniques, and how it differs from other styles of Karate.

Japanese-style karate is a popular martial art form that has gained worldwide recognition. It is known for its precise movements, powerful strikes, and rigorous training methods. The question arises, what is this form of karate called? In this article, we will explore and discover the name of the Japanese style of karate along with its characteristics and origins.

The History of Japanese Style Karate

Karate originated in Okinawa, Japan, and was influenced by Chinese martial arts. The Japanese style of Karate, known as Shotokan, was developed by Gichin Funakoshi, who brought Karate to Japan in the early 1900s. Funakoshi’s teachings focused on the development of character and discipline through training, and this philosophy is still prevalent in Shotokan today.

The Philosophy of Shotokan Karate

Shotokan Karate is not just about physical training but also about mental and spiritual training. The philosophy behind Shotokan Karate is to develop the character of the practitioner through rigorous training. The core values of Shotokan Karate are respect, humility, honesty, and self-control. These values are instilled in practitioners through the practice of kata, kumite, and other training exercises.

Techniques in Japanese Style Karate

Japanese style Karate is known for its powerful striking techniques, including punches, kicks, and knee strikes. These techniques are designed to be highly effective in self-defense situations. One of the main principles of Japanese style Karate is to use the entire body in every movement, which creates a powerful and efficient technique.

Kata in Japanese Style Karate

Kata is a series of prearranged movements that are practiced repeatedly in Karate. In Japanese style Karate, there are 26 kata that are used to teach and reinforce techniques and principles. Each kata has a specific purpose, such as developing speed, power, or balance. Practicing kata is an essential part of training in Japanese style Karate.

Kumite in Japanese Style Karate

Kumite is a form of sparring used in Karate. In Japanese style Karate, there are different types of kumite, including basic, free-style, and tournament-style. Kumite is used to develop timing, distance, and reaction time. It is also used to test techniques and to prepare for real-life self-defense situations.

How Japanese Style Karate Differs from Other Styles of Karate

There are many different styles of Karate, and Japanese style Karate is just one of them. Each style has its own unique techniques, philosophy, and approach to training. Japanese style Karate is known for its emphasis on discipline and character development. It also places a strong emphasis on kata and the use of the entire body in techniques.

Japanese style Karate, also known as Shotokan Karate, is a form of martial arts developed by Gichin Funakoshi in the early 1900s. Shotokan Karate emphasizes not only physical strength but also the development of character and discipline. It is known for its powerful striking techniques, which use the entire body in every movement. Shotokan Karate also incorporates the practice of kata, a series of repeated movements, and kumite, a form of sparring used for timing and distance development. Although there are many different styles of Karate, Japanese style Karate differs from Okinawan Karate in its emphasis on external power and mid to long-range techniques, and from Taekwondo in its emphasis on power and the use of the entire body.

Comparison with Okinawan Karate

Okinawan Karate is the original form of Karate, and it is from this style that all other styles of Karate have evolved. Okinawan Karate places a strong emphasis on developing internal power and focuses on close-range techniques. Japanese style Karate, on the other hand, places more emphasis on developing external power and focuses on mid to long-range techniques.

Comparison with Korean Karate (Taekwondo)

Korean Karate, also known as Taekwondo, is another popular form of martial arts. Taekwondo is known for its high kicks and fast footwork. The emphasis in Taekwondo is on speed and agility rather than power. Japanese style Karate, on the other hand, emphasizes power and the use of the entire body in techniques.

The Development of Japanese Style Karate

The father of modern Japanese style Karate, Gichin Funakoshi, was born in Okinawa in 1868. Funakoshi was trained in the traditional Okinawan style of Karate, which was known as Shuri-te. In 1922, Funakoshi was invited to demonstrate his Karate at the First National Athletic Exhibition in Tokyo, Japan. This was the first time that Karate had been introduced to the Japanese public. Funakoshi’s demonstration was a huge success, and he decided to stay in Japan to teach Karate.

Funakoshi’s teachings were based on the principles of discipline, character development, and self-defense. He believed that Karate was not just about physical training but also about mental and spiritual training. Funakoshi’s Karate was known as Shotokan, which means “house of Shoto,” a pen name that Funakoshi used for his poetry. Funakoshi continued to teach and develop Shotokan Karate until his death in 1957.

Key takeaway: Japanese style Karate, also known as Shotokan, emphasizes discipline, character development, and the use of the entire body in powerful striking techniques. The philosophy behind Shotokan Karate is to develop the character of the practitioner through rigorous training, with core values of respect, humility, honesty, and self-control. Compared to Okinawan Karate and Korean Karate (Taekwondo), Shotokan Karate places more emphasis on external power and mid to long-range techniques. The father of modern Japanese style Karate, Gichin Funakoshi, developed and taught Shotokan Karate based on these principles until his death in 1957.