Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Key Individuals In The Development Of Karate

Posted by Unknown at 13:01
By Leigh Metopher


Karate is one of the world's most famous martial arts. Developed hundreds of years ago in Okinawa, Japan, karate is considered a striking art where much emphasis is placed on punching and striking, although some variations of karate also focus on grappling, joint locks and other martial arts techniques.

Gichin Funakoshi is considered as one of the main fathers of karate and the developer of one of the martial arts' most prominent styles, which is Shotokan karate. A native of Okinawa, Funakoshi is responsible for bringing karate to the attention of those in mainland Japan. In fact, he opened Tokyo's first karate school in 1939, and these schools typically are just called a dojo.

Another father of karate would have to be Anko Itosu. He trained many prominent practitioners of karate such as the aforementioned Gichin Funakoshi. He also wrote the Tode Jukun or the Ten Precepts of Karate. This document highlighted the many benefits of teaching karate as well as establishing some important guidelines for training. Written in 1908, this document was read by officials at both the Japanese Ministry of War as well as the Ministry of Education and helped spark great interest in karate throughout the country.

Robert Trias is notable in the world of karate as he was the first person to open a dojo in the United States. Trias served in the Navy during World War II and was stationed in the Solomon Islands. A champion boxer, he drew the attention of a Buddhist missionary who began instructing Trias in karate. When Trias returned to his home in Arizona, he began teaching karate in his backyard and eventually opened his dojo in 1946. Two years later, he founded the United States Karate Association.

There are, of course, many other individuals who are important practitioners of karate. Some developed different types of karate and others helped spread the art's popularity around the world. Karate skills can be important techniques in the arsenal of an MMA fighter, as well. UFC champion Lyoto Machida, for example, holds a black belt in Shotokan karate as well as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

For those who wish to find a San Marcos karate school, karate classes in Encinitas or a San Marcos karate school, Team Mai offers classes for all levels of children and teens. In addition to teaching the skills of karate, your child's training also will focus on building confidence and self-esteem, learning respect for oneself and others and improving self-discipline.




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