Javill Byron | Exploring the Martial Arts: Karate
The origin of the term “karate” is from the Japanese word “kara,” which means “empty,” and “te,” which means “hand.” This form of martial arts is known for fighting without weapons.
Origins
Although karate traces its origins back to ancient Asia, it is relatively new to the martial arts world. It originated in Okinawa, where people developed a closed-fist fighting system known as te.
Some believe that Okinawa sent its young men to China to learn from monks from the Shaolin Temple. Others claim that the island’s trade routes brought in Chinese visitors who introduced martial arts techniques to the island’s residents.
