The word KARATE is a Japanese word meaning "empty hand" (Kara = empty and Te = hand).
It is a system of empty-handed fighting against armed and unarmed opponents. People who
practice Karate rely not on the use of lethal weapons of any kind, but on their trained
bodies. Karate usese all of the striking surfaces of the body and there are a surprising
number of them. For example, from the wrists to the finger tips alone, there are more
than ten parts which can be utilized to strike. The elbows, wrists, knees, and feet
are also used in Karate. In truth, the human body is composed of many natural weapons.
The techniques for using such weapons are many and varied.
As you will recall, the "essence" of Karate is never to be the first to attack. This
is most important. Not only from a moral standpoint, but as a martial principle. It
is basic in Karate that the best possible offense is a good defense. For in warding
off an attack, a defense is chosen which will effectively block the attack and place
the defender in such a position that he can launch a successful counterattack. In most
cases, it would be difficult to overpower a truly skilled Karate person through any
form of direct body attack.
Many people erroneously think that the "essence" of Karate consists only in developing
tremendous striking power with the hands and feet. The breaking of boards and tiles,
it is true, will instill confidence in one's power. But, the true objective of such
demonstrations is to test the speed, power, and technique of the Karate person who has
been training for some time. There is danger in overemphasizing "breaking" as the
main objective in Karate. We should remember that there is a considerable difference
between a stack of boards or tiles and a living, moving opponent. Strength, by itself,
is not an assurance of victory.
Next: Karate As A Physical Art