Traditional karate, that is original karate, came into being as an art of fight in Japan. Traditional karate is based on the concept of the "Finishing Blow". The finishing blow is defined as a technique sufficient to render an attacking opponent. Together with other accompanying techniques, the finishing blow technique unites in itself the total body power, focusing it on one blow. Traditional karate competition is entirely based on the art of self-defense.

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For example, only the finishing blow technique is awarded a point. Moreover, according to the rule that the finishing blow is the last blow of the fight, in traditional karate competition the fight lasts till one point is awarded. Thanks to the rigorous observing this rule, the number of facile actions and careless techniques are limited to a minimum.

As in the case of every other art of self-defense, the height and the weight of the competitor is neither defined nor important. According to the rules of self-defense, competitors must be ready to repel the attack of every opponent, regardless of his weight and height. Moreover, many a time an individual who attacks is of a more powerful build than the attacked person. 

-Karate Poland

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Martial arts such as karate are excellent fitness and stress management tools for children and adults alike. At the Missouri Karate Association (MKA), we emphasize the development of the whole person, from physical strength and dynamism to a calmer and more positive outlook, even in the most stressful situations.

 

Ours is a non-contact karate dojo where the concentration is on skill development and learning excellence. This is especially important for children; it is consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics position on martial arts training for kids.

 

Karate aims to integrate the whole body to achieve powerful techniques with the least amount of effort possible. Moreover, it teaches practitioners to interact with the opponent using optimal distance and timing. This allows one to use the opponent’s action rather than conflict with his/her power.

 

The Ultimate Goal of karate is the infinite expansion of human potential through self-defense art. In striving for this goal, practitioners will master self-defense as a means to polish mind and body.

Principles of karate can be applied to life as a whole. When one can handle themselves optimally under threatening conditions, regular life activities can be handled optimally. 

-Rokah Karate

 

The late Hidetaka Nishiyama was one of the original founders of Japan Karate Association (JKA), he established and ran the American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF) until his death in 2008.

 

As a direct student of Gichin Funakoshi (the founder of modern-day karate), Master Nishiyama pioneered in movement analysis and development of techniques associated with JKA-style Karate, from performance as well as from a pedagogical perspective. Eventually, he coined the term Traditional Karate, which he preferred over labels such as "Shotokan" or "JKA-style", as his method and approach to training ultimately applied to all styles of karate, and ultimately any movement art or sport. 

-Jinsendo Karate