Karate means ‘empty hand’. Sometimes referred to as ‘Karate-do’ or ‘the way of Karate’.

Karate was developed in Okinawa where it served as a self defence against thieves and marauders. At that time it also involved the usage of weapons such as the quarterstaff and rice flails. Karate was introduced to Japan by a school teacher named Gichin Funakoshi. Other Okinawan masters followed, introducing their own styles of practice.

Modern Karate is almost entirely a striking system, using high energy kicks, punches and strikes as weapons. Persons practising Karate are known as Karateka. They wear light, white cotton tunics fastened with a coloured belt. The colours of the belt vary according to the proficiency attained. White trousers are also worn, although these are sometimes a darker colour. At regular intervals, the karateka undergoes a grading examination. The coloured belts leading to a black belt are known as kyu grades. Black belts are known as dan grades and there is a scale of proficiency between 1st Dan and 10th Dan within the Black belt itself.

Karate training consists of basic techniques, in which the class advances up and down the training hall, or ‘dojo’ practising a single technique. This is followed by combination techniques which are performed in a sequence. ‘Kata’ is the given name to an extended series of combination techniques representing symbolic defence against multiple assailants.

There are also forms of practice involving two karateka. One may perform 1, 3, or 5 serial attacking moves whilst the other will defend in a prearranged way. Alternatively, the attack may be restricted in form but spontaneous in its delivery. A third form consists of actual combat where blows are pulled in short of hard contact. This is called ‘free sparring’

A large number of Karate clubs, groups and associations within NAKMAS are currently represented.

20 September 2011

NAKMAS joins ''elite'' British Sport with latest accolate

01 August 2011

NAKMAS' Sandra Beale-Ellis featured in the MAI July 2011 magazine