karatedo

Karatedo, commonly written karate-do, is a martial art that emphasizes empty-hand fighting and a path of personal development. The term translates to “the way of the empty hand,” reflecting a philosophy that physical defense should be guided by discipline, respect, and self-improvement. The do suffix signals a path rather than mere technique.

Origins lie in Okinawa, where indigenous fighting traditions mixed with Chinese martial arts. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Okinawan masters taught the art to mainland Japanese students, who standardized and codified it. Gichin Funakoshi played a pivotal role in popularizing karate in Japan; he preferred karate-do to emphasize its philosophical aspects and introduced a simplified training curriculum. After World War II, karate spread globally, with national associations forming and major styles taking shape. Modern competition and sport karate are governed by bodies such as the World Karate Federation, while many lineages maintain traditional curricula. Karate made its Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games as a sport, with kumite and kata events.

Training centers on kihon (basics), kata (pre-arranged forms), and kumite (sparring). Kihon builds fundamentals; kata trains technique, timing, and rhythm; kumite develops control, distance, and application of techniques. Styles differ in emphasis, from linear Shotokan to circular Goju-ryu and the fluid Shito-ryu, Wadō-ryū, Kyokushin. Some forms stress hard contact, others emphasize speed and control or point-scoring. Observance of dojo etiquette, bows, and a spirit of reverence for teachers and opponents is common.

Karatedo aims for physical fitness, self-defense capability, and character development—humility, perseverance, and respect. Practitioners, called karateka, may pursue sport competition, traditional study, or self-defense applications. In competition, rules protect participants and separate sport karate from traditional training.