Just Fun For Share: Martial Arts : Karate

On this occasion I tried to share about the martial art that originated from the Japanese : KARATE…

Please correct me if i'm wrong...so i can revision this article as soon as possible. Basically i just want to share my knowledge about this kind of martial art and i hope can increasing our knowledge or maybe just for refreshing our knowledge about this kind of martial art. :D

History

Karate was brought into Japan via the Ryukyu Islands or the now more often known as Okinawa. At that time Okinawa was still an empire and not yet fall into Japanese territory, and in 1609 the invasion of the Shimazu clan to Okinawa fell into the hands of the royal government of Japan.

At that moment the Japanese royal government was implement the system with "Prohibition of Weapons Policy". So the residents are not allowed any longer to carry sharp weapons, from children to adults.

As a basic human needs to protect them self, the martial arts practitioners develop their martial arts without using a weapon anymore.

At the beginning of karate was named Tote (China : Hand) and changed to Karate which originated from the words of Kara (empty) and Te (hand). The name was occurred when karate came into Japan and Japanese nationalism.

Around the year 1820, Sokon Matsumura (1809-1899) made a blend of style from Shuri-te, Tomari-te and sholin style. Then known by the name of Shorin-ryu style.

And Then Matsumara teach his martial arts to Itosu Anko (1831 - 1915), and it again moves. Itosu developed the stance or movement he has learned from Matsumara being KATA Ping'an (words: art movements in karate), where this KATA was base from (kusanku and chiang nan). Ping'an is a very simple KATA for basic student at the time of such development.

Itosu Anko is also the one who had introduced this Martial Arts to a public school in Okinawa around 1901. And he continues to develop this self-defense until finally known by the name of karate with a wide range of flow.

Many students of Itosu upbringing results are known as a Master or Master of Karate : Gichin Funakoshi, Mabuni and Motobu Choki. So it is not wrong if Itosu better known as Grandpa of Karate Modernization.

Kinds Of Flow / Karate Style

In karate, we know different kinds of flow / branches, but according to the Japan Karatedo Federation (JKF) and the World Karatedo Federation (WKF), which is considered as the main stream of karate, namely:

1. Shotokan-Ryu
2. Shito-Ryu
3. Goju-Ryu

4. Wado-Ryu

The fourth stream is recognized as the main stream of Karate because of them is participating in the formation of JKF and WKF.

But the flow of karate in the world not only to the four schools on top of that alone. Several large streams such as Kyokushin, Uechi-ryu and Shorin-ryu spread to many countries in the world and is also known as a famous Karate stream as well.

So the World Union of Karate-Do Federation (WUKF) has incorporated these streams flow into the organization, the following list of stream flow in karate who has entered in the WUKF:

1. Shotokan-Ryu
2. Shito-Ryu
3. Goju-Ryu

4. Wado-Ryu

5. Shorin-Ryu

6. Uechi-Ryu

7. Kyokushinkai

8. Budokan

Karate Philosophy

Actually there are many philosophy of Karate we know, but in this article only the general philosophy that we already know :

Rakka (Flowers are falling)

This is the concept of self-defense or defense in karate. This meant that every defense techniques need to be done with a powerful and steady in order to use one technique was enough to defend themselves so that if the technique is likened to that done on the subject, then all the interest of the principal will fall falling. For example if someone attacked with a striking face, the karate fighter may use the above techniques to fend off. Had defense of it quite strong and steady, he may break the hand that strikes it. With it's no longer necessary to make subsequent attack was enough to defend themselves.

Mizu No Kokoro (Minda such as a water)

This concept meant that for the purpose of self defense, Minda (mind) it is necessary to be kept and trained to keep quiet. If Minda quiet, then it is easy for users to circumvent self-defense or parry the attack. Minda is like water in the lake. When the moon float, we will be able to see the shadow of the moon with the light on a quiet lake. Had a small stone thrown into the lake, the shadow of the moon on the lake will be blurred.

Basic Karate Exercises

Basic training in karate :

Kihon (Basic techniques) : Exercises such as punching, kicking and fend off techniques.
Kata : the art movements in karate.
Kumite (fighting) : fighting exercises as know as sparring.
And for the advance student, they learn how to use stick (BO) and double stick (nunchaku).

Another Famous Karate Philosophy.

It's not complete if does not incorporate the philosophy of the karate master who has been known by the karateka.

20 Philosophy of Karate from Gichin Funakoshi

Karate begins with a salute and ends with a salute anyway.
There were no first attack in karate.
Karate is an auxiliary tool in justice.
First control yourself before attempting to control others.
The main spirit, technique later.
Always be ready to liberate the mind.
Accidents occur because of carelessness.
Do not think that karate training is only in the Dojo.
Studying karate will take your entire life and there is no limit.
Enter the karate in everyday living, then you will find Myo (subtle secrets).
Karate is like boiling water. If you do not heat it constantly, it would be cool.
Don't you think you should win, but think that you should not lose.
Victory depends on the expertise of distinguished points and are not vulnerable.
The fight is based on how you move carefully and not (move according to your opponent).
Think of your hands and feet as swords.
When you leave home, think that you have many friends that await. Your behavior is inviting trouble for them.
Beginners must master low stance and posture, natural body positions are for the more expert.
Practicing a kata is one thing, engaging in a real fight is another thing.
Do not forget to correctly apply: strength and weakness of power, stretching and contraction of the body and slowness and speed of techniques.
Always think and try to find ways to live with the rules on a daily basis.