Karate | Vibepedia

Karate is a martial art that originated in the Ryukyu Kingdom, influenced by Chinese martial arts and indigenous Ryukyuan martial arts. With a history dating back to the 1300s, karate has evolved into a striking art that uses punches and kicks, as well as throwing and joint locking techniques. A karate practitioner, known as a karate-ka, trains in various styles, including Shotokan, Wado-ryu, and Shito-ryu. Today, karate is practiced worldwide, with over 100 million practitioners, and is recognized as an Olympic sport. The art form has been shaped by notable figures such as [[gichin-funakoshi|Gichin Funakoshi]], who introduced karate to Japan, and [[mas-oyama|Mas Oyama]], who developed the Kyokushin style. Karate's cultural significance extends beyond its physical aspects, as it emphasizes discipline, respect, and self-improvement, as seen in the philosophies of [[bushido|Bushido]] and [[zen|Zen]].