Karate is a striking-based combat sport and martial art originating in Okinawa, Japan, contested in both kumite, sparring for points, and kata, a judged solo performance of prescribed movement sequences. It made its Summer Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games and is governed internationally by the World Karate Federation. The sport developed from Okinawan fighting traditions blended with Chinese martial arts before spreading to mainland Japan and internationally in the 20th century.
Facts
Originating RegionRyukyu Kingdom, Okinawa, Japan 1 International Governing BodyWorld Karate Federation 2 Connections
Ancestor Of
Source Kickboxing, Wikipedia
Taekwondo, Sports Why this is disputed. Revisionist scholarship, described as the prevailing theory, roots taekwondo in karate; traditionalists hold its origins are indigenous Korean.
Source Wikipedia, Taekwondo
Associated With
Source Wikipedia, Martial Arts
Featured In
Source Wikipedia: Olympic sports
Played By
Sources
1. Karate, Wikipedia
Lead section
developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom
History, Okinawa section (19th and early 20th century)
In 1905, Itosu helped to get karate introduced into Okinawa's public schools.
View the Source2. World Karate Federation, Wikipedia
Lead sectionQuote, Lead section
It is the only karate organization recognised by the International Olympic Committee
Wikipedia: Olympic sports
Featured In: Olympic Games, Changes between 2000 to 2030Quote, Featured In: Olympic Games, Changes between 2000 to 2030
karate, sport climbing, surfing, and skateboarding as optional sports for the 2020 Summer Olympics
Kickboxing, Wikipedia
Ancestor Of: Kickboxing, Lead sectionQuote, Ancestor Of: Kickboxing, Lead section
developed in the late 1950s from karate mixed with boxing
Wikipedia, Taekwondo
Wikimedia FoundationAncestor Of: Taekwondo, Emergence of various kwansQuote, Ancestor Of: Taekwondo, Emergence of various kwans
Traditionalism holds that the origins of taekwondo are indigenous while revisionism, the prevailing theory, argues that taekwondo is rooted in karate.
Wikipedia, Martial Arts
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: Martial Arts, Unarmed, StrikesQuote, Associated With: Martial Arts, Unarmed, Strikes
Punching: Boxing, Wing Chun, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Karate
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