Karate for kids: where it began and why millions practise today

7 Year Old Girl Karate Master | Incredible Kankudai Demo | Poke My Heart

Theo's Free Talk Sentences:   

1.)  I see two boys doing karate.

2.)  I see a boy kicking his foot.

3.)  I see a black belt.

4.)  I see their gis.

5.)  I liked the kata.

6.)  The girl was a black belt.

7.)  The girl screamed!

8.)  The video was fun.

Angela's Free Talk Sentences:   

1.)  I can see two boys, and they are doing karate.

2.)  I can see the boys are kicking each other.

3.)  I can see a gray color.

4.)  I can see their fists.

5.)  I can see their gis.

7.)  The video is fast.

8.)  I learned that karate is fast and dangerous.

The origins of karate

Karate began hundreds of years ago in the Ryukyu Kingdom, which is now Okinawa in Japan. The word “karate” is Japanese, and in English it means “empty hand.” It came from a mix of local Okinawan fighting styles and Chinese martial arts such as Kung Fu. Karate was created as a way of self-defence without weapons.

More than a fighting style

Karate is not just about kicks and punches. From the beginning it included a code of respect, discipline, and self-control. Students bow to their teacher and to each other at the start and end of training. This shows humility and politeness. The lessons aim to strengthen both the body and the mind.

How karate helps the body

Regular training in karate can improve balance, posture, flexibility, and strength. Students learn kata, which are patterns of movements practised many times to build memory and focus. 

Karate training also teaches patience, as progress is shown step by step through coloured belts, from white to black.

Karate around the world

Millions of people of all ages now practise karate. There are clubs in almost every country, and many take part in national and international tournaments. Karate even appeared as an Olympic sport for the first time at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Other martial arts

Karate is one of many martial arts. Judo, also from Japan, focuses on throws and grappling. Taekwondo from Korea is famous for fast, high kicks. Capoeira from Brazil combines fighting with dance and music. Kung Fu, or Wushu, from China includes punches, kicks, and acrobatic moves, often with a long history of philosophy and discipline. 

All of these styles share some ideas of discipline and respect, but each has its own traditions and techniques.

Article vocabulary list

• Originated: Began or started in a place.
• Discipline: Training that teaches self-control and order.
• Balance: Staying steady without falling over.
• Posture: The way someone holds their body when standing or sitting.
• Flexibility: How easily someone can bend or stretch.
• Strength: The power of muscles to push, pull, or lift.
• Tournament: A competition between players or teams.
• Traditions: Beliefs or customs that are passed down over time.

Comprehension questions

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