
Karate and Kyokushin
Karate
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There are various theories about the origin of Karate. The following article concisely introduces the one agreed among many researchers.
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Origin
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Karate was formed in a small island, Okinawa, located at the extreme south of Japan. The islanders founded a set of self-defence skills called “Te” to protect themselves from foreign enemies. In the early 19th century, Karate was born when Okinawan practitioners studied and integrated Te with Chinese martial arts and Kenjutsu, the art of Japanese swordsmanship.
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Okinawa to the Mainland Japan
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Over the years, Karate was developed in limited regions such as Shuri, Tomari, and Naha. In the early 20th century, Karate was incorporated into school curriculum and began spreading over the entire island. It was then sublimated into an Okinawan culture with the aim of self-discipline for Okinawan people. In 1920s, a few instructors traveled from the island to the Mainland Japan in order to hold a demonstration, which triggered Karate to permeate throughout the country.
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Japan to other Countries
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n the mid-20th century, tournament competitions came into the spotlight and immensely contributed to the promotion of Karate. In 1960s, the Japanese Martial Art began expanding into other countries outside Japan.
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Kyokushin Karate
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Although there are a great number of Karate styles, they can be categorized into two large groups by their training methods. One is often called a traditional karate which strongly emphasizes in Kata practice and takes a point system in Kumite. The other one is so called a direct contact Karate which has strong focus on Kumite. Kyokushinkai Karate is a pioneer of the latter and was founded by the late Sosai Mas Oyama in the 1950s.
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