Global Spread of Karate: Karate spread to the Japanese mainland in the early 20th century and became popular worldwide after World War II, thanks to American servicemen stationed in Japan and Okinawa who learned the martial art and brought it back to the United States.
Self-Defense and Philosophy: Karate emphasizes self-defense, discipline, and moral development. It fosters a philosophy of peace and self-improvement, with a focus on avoiding conflict when possible.
Olympic Sport: Karate was included in the Olympic Games for the first time in Tokyo 2020, marking a significant milestone in the martial art's international recognition and competitive sports.
Karate Styles: There are many styles of karate, each with its unique characteristics. The four major styles are Shotokan, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Goju-ryu, which differ in terms of stances, techniques, and philosophy.
Breaking Techniques (Tameshiwari): Karate training sometimes includes tameshiwari, or breaking techniques, where practitioners demonstrate their power and precision by breaking boards, bricks, or tiles. This practice is both a test of skill and a way to cultivate focus and confidence.