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 Today, martial arts are studied for various reasons including combat skills, fitness, self-defense, sport, self-cultivation (meditation), mental discipline, character development and building self-confidence.
As a method of keeping fit and healthy, it develops balance, co-ordination, aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. In addition, (and unlike many other physical activities), it also challenges the brain and requires constant mental alertness and agility. |
Karate is a complete system of personal development. The Karate adept trains the body to be strong, fit, and supple, to have more stamina and more energy; simultaneously developing determination, strength of character, mental focus, inner conviction and self belief.
Martial arts provides a systematic approach to whole body fitness using methods of training developed over many hundreds of years. The benefits lie not just in the physical training but in the mental and ultimately spiritual development of the student. |
 Karate originated in the island of Okinawa - a prefecture of Japan. Karate literally means ‘empty hand’. However, its interpretation should be fighting without weapons. Further, with years of practice and developing insight one would realize that here the essence of the word ‘fight’ is much beyond its literal sense. Hence, in the elevated sense it is referred as ‘Karate-do’- ‘empty hand way’. |
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