jeudi 17 juillet 2014

Great Masters Of Karate

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.

It might surprise one to note that karate has only been practiced in mainland Japan since the early 20th century, although in Okinawa it has been continuously developed over about 400 years. Gichin Funakoshi is largely credited with introducing karate to the rest of Japan, and he opened the first dojo, or school for karate, in 1939. He also is the father of one of the most prominent forms of karate - Shotokan karate.

Anko Itosu also is known as a father of modern karate, and while Funakoshi brought karate from Okinawa into Japan, Itosu is known for his 1908 writing "Ten Precepts of Karate." This document details the basic principles of karate and was presented to Japan's Ministry of War and the Ministry of Education. The officials were impressed by Itosu's writing and it generated interest in karate throughout Japan. While Funakoshi opened the first dojo, it is important to note that he learned much of skills from his Itosu, who was his teacher.

Americans serving in Asia during World War II, particularly in Okinawa and the Solomon Islands, quickly embraced the art of karate. Robert Trias learned his karate skills while serving in the Solomon Islands. He became learned enough that once he got back home to Arizona, he started teaching karate to others in his backyard. Trias opened the U.S.'s first dojo in 1946. In 1948, he started the United States Karate Association.

These are just a few important individuals in the world of karate. The techniques of karate often appear in the skill sets of MMA fighters, particularly Lyoto Machida, who has a 3rd dan black belt in Shotokan karate as well as a black belt in 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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