Karate

Karate is a Japanese martial art built around strikes — punches, kicks, knees, elbows, open-hand techniques — with blocks and evasive footwork, and very little grappling. The name means "empty hand": no weapons, the body is the tool.

It originated on Okinawa, absorbed Chinese influences, and spread through mainland Japan in the 20th century, where it split into several major styles. The best-known is Shotokan; others include Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Wado-ryu. Training is organized around three pillars: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring), with rank shown by belt color.