What is Karate? (Kara-Te)
Kara Means Empty
Te Means Hands
Karate is traditionally a system of unarmed combative skills that were developed for self-defense and defense of others. Karate is based on defensive skills and is not offensive in nature. However, by studying karate, dedicated students will not only learn fighting skills.
A true Karataka will embrace all of what he or she has been trained, including, self-control, respect of themselves and others, confidence, humility, and a higher level of awareness. The ultimate goal is to obtain a union of the mind body and soul, resulting in a sound person and a good citizen. The training one receives in the martial arts assists them in dealing with the stress and challenges faced in life. These challenges may not always be in a physical challenge but can be a mental challenge. “How to cope with stress, sickness, the loss of a loved one, and meeting our own physical end.”