Karate is a Japanese martial art that primarily focuses on striking techniques, including punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes. It also incorporates defensive movements such as blocks and parries, as well as basic stances that provide balance and power. Karate is often practiced in a traditional manner with kata (pre-arranged forms) to help students learn technique, discipline, and movement patterns. What makes Karate distinct from other martial arts is its emphasis on powerful, precise strikes and its reliance on both mental and physical discipline. Unlike martial arts like Judo or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which focus on grappling and submissions, Karate is a striking art with an emphasis on distance management, speed, and power. It also integrates a philosophy of self-control and respect, aiming to cultivate both the body and the mind. Karate’s structured approach to training and its focus on individual performance in kata and sparring make it unique among other martial arts.

Karate originated in Okinawa, Japan, with influences from traditional Chinese martial arts that were introduced to the island through trade and cultural exchange. It developed as a way for Okinawan peasants to defend themselves, as weapons were banned under Japanese rule. The art combined local Okinawan martial arts like te (hand) with techniques from Chinese systems, evolving into a unique form of empty-handed combat. In the early 20th century, Karate was systematised and popularised by masters like Gichin Funakoshi, who introduced it to mainland Japan. Funakoshi is credited with helping to refine and formalise Karate's techniques, philosophy, and training methods. Over the years, it spread internationally, becoming one of the most widely practised martial arts worldwide. Karate was officially recognised as a competitive sport and was added to the Olympic Games in 2020, further solidifying its global presence.

There are two competitions typically involved with karate: Kata and Kumite. In Kata, competitors perform pre-arranged sequences of movements that simulate combat against multiple imaginary opponents. The focus is on precision, timing, technique, and the overall flow of the movements. Competitors are judged on their ability to demonstrate correct stances, sharpness, balance, and power. Kumite is the sparring aspect of Karate, where competitors engage in controlled, full-contact combat. Matches are typically fought under specific rules, with points awarded for clean, controlled strikes to the opponent’s designated target areas, such as the head, torso, and abdomen. The emphasis is on speed, accuracy, and control, with an important focus on safety. Competitions can vary in style depending on the organisation, but they generally involve a set time limit, and the competitor with the most points or a clear advantage wins the match.