Karate is a martial art from the island of Okinawa. The original art, called "te" or "hand", was influenced by Kung Fu teachings brought from China. It became known as "China Hand", then later as "Empty Hand" or Kara Te.

Karate is an art where the body is used to block, strike, kick and throw in order to defend oneself. It is practiced through running forms such as kata, sparring, and focus target training.