Karate: Complete Guide. History, Styles, Techniques, and Equipment

What karate is: meaning and definition

The karate is a Japanese martial art practiced bare-handed, without the use of weapons. The term comes from the combination of two ideograms: kara (空), which means "empty," and te (手), which means "hand." The literal translation is therefore "empty hand," a concept that encompasses both the absence of weapons and a Zen philosophical principle of inner emptiness (mu-shin).

Karate is not just a combat sport: it is a complete educational system that combines attack and defense techniques, mental discipline, character development, and a deep ethical philosophy. The Italian Federation of Judo Wrestling Karate Martial Arts (FIJLKAM), the only federation recognized by CONI, promotes karate in all its forms, from sport karate to traditional karate.

Karate is much more than punches and kicks: it is a path of personal growth practiced bare-handed that strengthens both body and spirit.

Origins and history of karate: from Okinawa to the world

Roots in Okinawa and Chinese influence

Karate originated on the island of Okinawa, in the Ryukyu archipelago, south of Japan. For centuries, Okinawa maintained strong trade relations with the Chinese province of Fujian, and it was probably through these exchanges that the Chinese kempo (or chuan fa, "Way of the Fist") techniques reached the island, merging with the local fighting forms called te ("hand").

A crucial event marked the development of this art: in 1429 King Sho Hashi unified the three kingdoms of Okinawa and, to maintain peace, around 1500 banned the possession of weapons. After the invasion by the Japanese Satsuma clan in 1609, the ban was upheld, pushing the inhabitants to perfect hand-to-hand combat techniques. Thus, Okinawa-te was born, which differentiated into three styles based on the city of origin: Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te.

The study of traditional Okinawan weapons (Bo, Tonfa, Sai, Nunchaku, Kama) developed alongside unarmed combat, giving rise to the Kobudo, a discipline closely linked to karate.

Gichin Funakoshi and the spread in Japan

The father of modern karate is Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), an Okinawan master, calligrapher, and teacher.

In 1922, invited by the Japanese Ministry of Education, he performed a karate demonstration in Tokyo that thrilled the audience. Funakoshi settled in the capital and dedicated his life to spreading the art.

In 1931, karate was officially recognized by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, the imperial organization for youth education. In 1936, at a historic symposium in Naha, the greatest masters of the time decided to change the name of the art: the ideogram “to” (Chinese) was replaced with “kara” (empty), keeping the same pronunciation but asserting the Japanese originality of the discipline. In the same year, the Shotokan dojo was built in Tokyo, giving its name to the style founded by Funakoshi.

Karate was not born in a day: it is the result of centuries of cultural exchanges between Okinawa and China, codified and brought to the world by Gichin Funakoshi in the 20th century.

Karate in the world and in Italy

After World War II, karate spread rapidly in the West thanks to the migration of Japanese masters to Europe and the United States. In Italy, the discipline began to take root in the 1960s, with the first associations in Rome, Florence, and Milan. Among the pioneers stand out the Japanese master Hiroshi Shirai and Italians Malatesti, Basile, Parisi, and Falconi.

Today, karate is practiced by about 100 million people worldwide (according to the World Karate Federation) and is featured in all five continental Games: European Games, Asian Games, African Games, Pan American Games, and Pacific Games.

The four main styles of karate

The World Karate Federation (WKF), the international governing body, recognizes four major karate styles, each with its own technical and philosophical characteristics.

Shotokan

Founded by Gichin Funakoshi, Shotokan is the most widespread style in the world. It is characterized by deep and stable stances, linear and powerful techniques, and a strong emphasis on kihon (basic techniques). The name comes from Funakoshi’s literary pseudonym, “Shoto” (pine waves), and “kan” (hall).

Goju-ryu

Founded by Master Chojun Miyagi, Goju-ryu (“hard and soft school”) descends from Naha-te and the teachings of Kanryo Higaonna. It alternates soft circular movements with explosive techniques and places great emphasis on breathing and the Sanchin kata.

Shito-ryu

Founded by Kenwa Mabuni, Shito-ryu blends the heritage of Shuri-te and Naha-te. It has the largest kata repertoire among the four main styles and favors speed, precision, and technical variety.

Wado-ryu

Founded by Hironori Otsuka, Wado-ryu (“School of the Way of Peace”) is the only one of the four styles born on mainland Japan, not Okinawa. It integrates elements of classical Japanese jujutsu and is known for high stances, fluid movements, evasions, and using the opponent’s body.

Each karate style is a different path to the same goal: self-mastery through unarmed combat.

The three pillars of training: Kihon, Kata, and Kumite

Karate training is based on three complementary components, each essential for the practitioner’s complete development.

Kihon: the fundamental techniques

Kihon is the study and repetition of basic techniques: punches (tsuki), kicks (geri), blocks (uke), and stances (dachi). It represents the foundation on which all further practice is built. The goal is to automate the technique until it becomes instinctive, precise, and powerful.

Kata: the codified forms

Kata (literally “form” or “pattern”) is a predefined sequence of techniques simulating a fight against imaginary opponents. Each kata contains tactical principles, defensive strategies, and practical applications (bunkai). Studying kata develops muscle memory, rhythm, breathing, and concentration.

Kumite: the fight

Kumite is the practical application of techniques against a real opponent. It is divided into preset forms (for beginners) and free sparring (jiyu kumite). In WKF-regulated sport karate, strikes must be controlled: the goal is “technical superiority,” not a knockout. This requires speed, timing, distance, and self-control.

To practice kumite safely, it is essential to wear proper protective gear: approved karate gloves, shin guards, chest protector, mouthguards and helmet.

The belt system in karate

Karate uses a ranking system that indicates the practitioner's level of skill. The ranks are divided into kyu (pre-black belt levels, in descending order) and dan (post-black belt levels, in ascending order).

The most common belt order (which can vary slightly between styles and federations) is: white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and finally black. This system was introduced by Funakoshi himself, inspired by the one created by judo founder Jigoro Kano.

The black belt (1st dan) does not represent an endpoint but the beginning of an advanced journey. Dan ranks continue up to the 10th, with the highest degrees awarded for special merits in teaching and dedication to the discipline. Those who train consistently at least twice a week can reach the black belt in about three years.

At FightClub Store you can find karate belts in all colors and ranks, made by top brands like Tokaido, Adidas and Mizuno.

Karate at the Olympics: historic debut and uncertain future

After more than 50 years of requests from the World Karate Federation (WKF), karate made its historic Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). The competitions took place in two disciplines: kumite (three weight categories per gender) and kata (individual male and female).

Italy experienced a memorable moment when Luigi Busà, nicknamed “The Gorilla,” won the gold medal in kumite -75 kg, one of the most significant achievements in Italian sport at those Games.

Despite its success, karate was not confirmed for the Paris 2024 or Los Angeles 2028 programs, replaced by disciplines considered more “urban” by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The WKF started an official dialogue in February 2025 with the Brisbane 2032 Organizing Committee to seek re-inclusion in the Olympic program.

Karate is the only sport present in all five Continental Games that is not part of the permanent Olympic program: a contradiction that the global karate community is asking to be fixed.

Karate and other disciplines: the main differences

Karate is often confused with other martial arts. Here are the key differences to help you understand.

Karate vs Judo

The judo is a grappling martial art focused on throws, holds, and joint locks. Karate, on the other hand, is based on striking techniques (punches, kicks, blocks). In practice: the judoka tries to bring the opponent to the ground, the karateka strikes from a distance.

Karate vs Taekwondo

The taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasizes spectacular kicks, especially high and spinning ones. Karate uses a more balanced mix of punches and kicks, with generally lower stances and a greater focus on arm techniques.

Karate vs Kung Fu

The kung fu has Chinese origins and is the historical “ancestor” of karate. It includes hundreds of different styles, many of which also use traditional weapons. Karate, although derived from kung fu, has been codified into more structured and regulated forms under the influence of Japanese martial culture.

The essential equipment for practicing karate

To practice karate, only a few essential items are needed, but the quality of the equipment makes a difference in terms of comfort, safety, and performance.

The karategi: the karateka’s uniform

The karategi (often incorrectly called “kimono”) is the white uniform consisting of jacket, pants, and belt.

There are specific models for different needs:

• Karategi for beginners and intermediates: lightweight and durable fabric, ideal for beginners.

• Kata karategi: heavy and stiff fabric that produces the characteristic “snap” sound during technique execution.

• Kumite karategi: lightweight and soft fabric for maximum freedom of movement in combat.

Among the reference brands for karategi are Tokaido (the gold standard for high-level kata and kumite), Adidas, SMAI, KO Italia and Itaki.

Kumite protection

For sport fighting, protective gear is mandatory. Protective equipment includes:

• Karate gloves (red and blue gloves approved by WKF)

• Shin Guard with or without foot guards

• Body protector

• Mouthguard

• Protective helmet (mandatory for cadets)

• Chest protector (for female athletes)

• Groin guard/supporter

Accessories and extras

Besides technical equipment, to complete the karateka kit you need: dedicated bags and backpacks, karate shoes (for training on hard surfaces), karate clothing for warm-up and karate gear for true enthusiasts.

The right equipment not only improves performance: it protects the body and allows training with the necessary confidence to give your best.

The physical and mental benefits of karate

Karate is one of the most complete sports activities. It involves the entire body symmetrically, works on all three planes of movement (frontal, transverse, and sagittal), and simultaneously trains both conditional and coordinative abilities.

Benefits for the body

• Muscle toning without hypertrophy: karate develops a toned, agile, and strong physique but does not cause excessive muscle mass increase. The muscles are engaged in both red fibers (aerobic work) and white fibers (explosiveness and speed).

• Posture improvement: the techniques require constant activation of the core, lower back muscles, and shoulder area, correcting the postural imbalances typical of a sedentary lifestyle.

• Flexibility and joint mobility: high kicks, low stances, and complex movement patterns progressively and functionally train flexibility.

• Coordination and reflexes: karate is a situational sport that requires quick reactions and constantly varied combined movements, sharpening neuromuscular coordination.

• Cardiovascular health: studies show that even 10 weeks of karate practice in sedentary subjects improves cardiovascular efficiency.

• Higher bone density: karate practitioners have stronger bones compared to those who practice other sports or are sedentary, with important preventive benefits.

Benefits for the mind

Beyond the body, karate deeply trains the mind: it develops concentration, self-control, discipline, stress management, and emotional intelligence. The philosophical component, rooted in Funakoshi’s Dojo Kun precepts, teaches humility, perseverance, determination, and respect for others.

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The philosophy of karate and the Dojo Kun

Karate is not just technique: it is a path of personal improvement. The Dojo Kun, an ethical code formulated by Gichin Funakoshi, represents the five principles every karateka should follow both in the dojo and in daily life:

1. Hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto – Strive to perfect your character.

2. Hitotsu, makoto no michi o mamoru koto – Follow the path of sincerity.

3. Hitotsu, doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto – Tirelessly strengthen the spirit.

4. Hitotsu, reigi o omonzuru koto – Respect the rules of etiquette.

5. Hitotsu, kekki no yu o imashimuru koto – Control violence and impulsiveness.

The most important thing karate offers is a philosophy of life: those who are truly strong don’t need to prove it with violence.

How to start practicing karate

Karate is suitable for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or physical condition. You can start at 5 or at 50, and the level progression allows each person to advance at their own pace.

To start, it’s enough to join a club affiliated with FIJLKAM, which offers courses for all ages. Classes are usually held twice a week and combine athletic training, joint mobility, technique, and study of karate principles.

The initial equipment is minimal: just a beginner's karategi and a white beltAs you progress, protective gear for kumite will be added, and you can choose a karategi specific for kata or sparring.

FAQ

What is karate about?

Karate is a Japanese martial art that involves hand-to-hand combat using punches, kicks, blocks, and codified stances. It is based on three fundamental pillars: kihon (repetition of basic techniques), kata (sequences of movements simulating fights against imaginary opponents), and kumite (fighting a real opponent, governed by precise sports rules). Beyond the physical aspect, karate includes a strong educational and philosophical dimension: it teaches discipline, respect, self-control, and perseverance. It is practiced wearing a white uniform called karategi, on a mat called tatami, and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

What are the 5 rules of karate?

The 5 rules of karate are the precepts of the Dojo Kun, the ethical code formulated by Master Gichin Funakoshi. In summary: 1) perfect your character, 2) follow the path of sincerity, 3) strengthen the spirit with perseverance, 4) respect etiquette rules, 5) suppress violence and impulsiveness. These principles apply not only on the tatami but serve as a moral guide for daily life. The Dojo Kun is recited aloud at the end of every training session in many karate schools worldwide, highlighting its central role in the karateka’s development.

What kind of physique does karate give you?

Karate develops a toned, strong, agile, and flexible body without causing excessive muscle mass gain. Training symmetrically engages the whole body, working both red muscle fibers (endurance) and white fibers (explosiveness and speed). The result is a quick, functional musculature that supports posture and movement. Regular practice improves joint flexibility, coordination, balance, and cardiovascular capacity. Studies show that karatekas also have above-average bone density, with important preventive benefits especially for mature women. In short: karate provides a complete, harmonious, and functional physique, ideal both for those seeking athletic performance and those wanting to improve overall well-being.

Karate is for everyone: start your journey today

Whether you are a beginner at your first lesson or a competitor looking for the perfect gear, FightClub Store is the reference point for every karateka. You’ll find everything you need to give your best on the tatami: karategi from top brands like Tokaido and Adidas, approved protective gear, belts and accessories to complete your kit.

Karate is not just a sport: it is a path that accompanies the practitioner throughout life, improving body, mind, and spirit. As Funakoshi said: the true goal of karate is not victory or defeat, but the perfection of the character of those who practice it.

Also explore the other disciplines available at FightClub Store: Boxing, Kickboxing and Muay Thai, MMA, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Kendo and Aikido and Krav Maga.