Karate is a martial art which originated in Japan approximately 1,400 years ago. This martial art develops our mind, body and different fighting techniques which we use.
The history of karate can be traced back to approximately 1,400 years, Gichin Funakoshi, started Karate and was also the founder of Shokotankarate. Funakoshi gaves the first public demonstration of karate-do. He was invited by Dr. Jano Kano to give a demonstration at the Kodokan Dojo, bringing karate-do to Japan.
Rules of Karate
The top rules of Karate are to be respectful and use what you learn wisely. Karate goes beyond the Dojo. There is no First Attack in Karate. Seek perfection of character, put forth your best effort, calamity springs from carelessness and make adjustments according to your opponent are the other rules. 
Rules in a match
To win, an athlete must either reach an 8-point advantage within the 3-minute round or have the most points at the end of the bout. If there is a tie, the first athlete to have scored a point wins (Senshu). If neither scores a point, the judges determine the winner based on form (Hantei).
Interesting facts of Karate and the moral of Karate
Interesting facts: Karate comes from two words: ‘kara’ meaning empty, and ‘te’ meaning hand, The first style of Karate was started in Okinawa, Though Karate has roots in self-defence and discipline, it’s also used by many as a fitness workout that adds to their own exercise regime.
Moral of Karate: Courage is a transferable skill, a moral value that allows students to set goals, overcome challenges, and meet success in the Dojo and in everyday life.
What is Karate?
Karate is a Japanese martial art whose physical aspects seek the development of defensive and counter attacking body movements.
The themes of traditional Karate training are fighting and self-defense, though its mental and moral aspects target the overall improvement of the individual.
Types of Karate
The four major Karate styles developed in Japan, especially in Okinawa are Shotokan, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Goju-ryu; many other styles of Karate are derived from these four.
The first three of these styles find their origins in the Shorin-Ryu style from Shuri, Okinawa, while Goju-ryu finds its origins in Naha.
Founder of Karate
The Father of Modern Karate, Funakoshi Gichin was born on November 10, 1868 in Yamakawa, Shuri, Okinawa Prefecture. He was of samurai lineage, from a family which in former times had been vassals of Ryukyu Dynasty nobles.
By age 11, he had already made a name for himself in Ryukyu-style martial art. In addition, many Okinawans were actively teaching, and are thus also responsible for the development of Karate on the main islands.
The purpose of traditional Karate is to develop well-balanced mind and body, through training in fighting techniques. Traditional Karate also shares the ultimate aim with Budo, which is to cultivate great human character of a higher class that prevents any violent attack before an actual fight occurs.
Jalana Ukwatta
Grade 6
Royal Institute Internatinal School
Gampaha
Wishwa Indusara
Grade 6
Republican International School