Karate as a Sport

Karate is a martial art which was perfected in Okinawa after many centuries in the orient. Based upon both mental and bodily discipline it is considered to be one of the finest forms of excercise.

The ultimate objective of Karate lies not in the winning of the fight. Just as in all Oriental arts, the objective is found in the way in which man strives to develop through the systematic training, the ultimate of the human physical potential he possesses. Its manifestations are in the expression of movement and power; its method is the rational use of all parts of body without a weapon; and the means are the self-defensive movements of blocking, punching, striking and kicking.

Thus, Karate is not merely an excellent physical or a defensive art. The complete mental control required for the mastery of physical movements; the effort and discipline required in the search of the ultimate and the mastery of the art, lays the foundation for the development of good citizenship and the ultimate perfection of the human character.

Contests in art of Karate are only one part of the total Karate discipline and only one of the methods of trianing. Karate contests are based upon two of the training disciplines -- Kumite (free fighting) and Kata (forms). Thus, there are Kumite and Kata contests conducted under the strict rules that have been established for this competition.

The average student learns Karate for self-defense, of course, but the physical conditionaing aspect is also of primary importance. As the Karate pupil develops, he is taught to apply his knowledge by sparring with fellow students. Such contests afford the pupil an opportunity to test and poliish the techniques that he has learned from the sensei, or teacher, at the Karate Dojo (school).

But behind the physical manifestations of Karate lies a deep current of philosophy, an underlying code, a mystique that is sometimes puzzling to those not familiar with the sport and its iron-clad regulations. The training chants, the bowing, the militaristic, almost feudal discipline imposed by the sensei all seem to the outsider as something from another age, almost another world. And, indeed, this is in some degree true. The origins of Karate lie deep in the mists of Oriental history. But there are many who feel that Karate, if it is to continue its rise in popularity in the United States, must become more "Americanized". This is not to say that the rituals, the courtesy, the adherence to the Bushido code of endurance, discipline and courage should be discarded as anachronistic or vestigial. But some of the terms, for example, could be translated to the American idiom. Karate can reach fresh minds and fresh talent in this country more efficiently if the growing legion of Karate enthusiasts and fans understand what is going on.

There must first be change if there is to be growth.