ISKO-KARATEDO.com Latest news

The WKF President, Mr. Espinos, was elected as member of the GAISF Executive Committee.

Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

2006The WKF President, Mr. Espinos, was elected as member of the GAISF Executive Committee.

This election is very important given the fact that on one hand karate is also represented in the supreme organ of GAISF and on the other hand that the WKF President clearly triumphed over the other 3 candidates in the number of votes received./12/252006/12/25

karate

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

karate international

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

What is Karate?

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

What is Karate?

Karate , kara meaning empty and te meaning hand, is a martial art whose protocols and technical language have emanated from ancient (Okinawa) Japan. This exciting art has been capsized in the context of sport that has retained its wide spectrum of techniques including a myriad of blocks, strikes, kicks, evasions and throws. There is no “preference” for one technique over another as it is critical that the appropriate technique matches the opponent’s vulnerability. In the sport of Karate, many of the more dangerous techniques and target areas must remain forbidden for purposes of safety. Each technique that is executed must demonstrate that if it were to be actually fully extended or fulfilled, the result would be the determining and debilitating blow to one's opponents. Each technique, in order to be counted as a scoring point, must exhibit “zanshin”. Zanshin is the perfect placement and recovery of the body that demonstrates ones opportunity to continue with dominance over the opponent....one technique must be able to flow into a succession of techniques. While each technique must be fully controlled, this precaution has not diminished the thrill of watching a dynamic Karate match. The greater points are awarded in the sport for kicks to the front and back of the head (jyodan ) with the lesser points awarded to the middle and lower ( chudan and gedan ) areas. All sweeps and throws must be followed up with a finalizing blow in order to demonstrate “finishing” of ones opponent.
Karate training incorporates the body as a whole: synchronization of breath, coupled with relaxation techniques with a calm mind that must remain in constant harmony with the rapid and contrasting demands of the body’s dynamics. Karate practice will manifest in a more flexible, balanced, toned body with the muscular and mental development that allows the athlete to move fluidly with an emphasis upon speed, focus, accuracy, efficiency as well as the most important technique—the element of surprise! In Karate, the mind and body are considered inseparable tools that enable the practitioner to act coolly and objectively in a crisis without telegraphing any emotions or physical movement. When the Karate-ka prepares for a competition, they have little trouble imagining the intense scenario under which they must perform. The highest level of karate demands that the Karate-ka, or practitioner, maintains a state of “no mind” or “mushin”. This state of mind is free of distractions, erroneous assumptions and fear. Mushin is required for correctly assessing and calibrating the speed, timing and power of the opponent. It is this state of mind that also allows the astute or seasoned Karate-ka to intuitively presage the opponent’s intent prior to actual execution. The ability to move a fraction of a moment prior to the manifestation of the opponent’s attack is called “sen”. The intensity of a focused Karate match is undeniably seen on the face of each competitor.
All Karate techniques emphasize self-defense as a priority. Evident in all of the “Katas”, or forms, which act as the embodiment of the Karate “library”, is the defensive maneuver that begins each of the series of practice techniques. These forms are rigorously practiced until each minute maneuver encompassed within the Kata is imprinted perfectly. Katas are in essence, the pedagogy or building blocks of Karate-do. Karate, which has it roots in ancient Chinese culture, went through quite a few cultural adaptations prior to its modification at the turn of the century into a formal pedagogy by Gichin Funakoshi for the Japanese University and school system/s. The Japanese government recognized this art/sport as an important addendum to scholastic endeavors as well as a great way to develop a strong moral character. The moral lessons and physical discipline inherent in its practice, requires the practitioner to adhere to the tenets of Karate-do which literally means “the way of” Karate. The “Karate-do” designation, regardless of which of the many styles are practiced, separates the person who wants to learn ‘fighting’ techniques from the more vested “Karate-ka” whose pursuits are for self- defense, personal edification and the many time honored tenets including:

• Moral and compassionate behavior
• Contribution to ones community
• Respect for others
• Self-accountability
• Humility
• Adherence to filial duties
• Loyalty
• Persistence and diligence in all endeavors
• Citizenship
• Indomitable spirit

The technical language: Japanese
Protocols: based upon the traditions of all martial arts with an emphasis upon respectful and controlled actions at all times
IF: World Karate Federation
NGB: The USA National Karate-do Federation

Karate made its debut as a medal sport at the Pan American Games in 1995 with outstanding results followed by the 1999 medal count of nine medals, five of which were gold. The USA National Team, under the National Karate-do Federation and USOC, is one of the most competitive countries in international competitions with an overall competition record of fifth place worldwide. In 2002, the USA National Team won 2 world championship gold medals and 17 international medals in seven competitions, most of which were gold. In 2003, the US Open Championships saw the USA garner four gold medals, four silver medals and eight bronze medals at the highest levels. International competitive opportunities per year have grown to an expansive and comprehensive level for Junior as well as the senior competitor with more than 18 junior and senior national team events per annum. As the sports National Governing Body, the USA-National Karate-do Federation fields over 8 international teams per year in addition to its goodwill events and is ranked fifth internationally.

Karate is one of the largest sports practiced in the world with over 50 million people involved world wide with 164 countries as member nations. The success and popularity of this sport is largely due to its long inclusion of young children without regard to gender, race or religious persuasions. A true grass roots level sport, Karate attracts and reflects a wide spectrum of demographic profiles that has grown exponentially as it has been discovered as a productive outlet for all ages and levels of proficiency. Most importantly, it joins the ranks of those activities in which family members may each take part and mutually enjoy.

Historical View

Traditional Karate and its historical beginnings In its earliest stages, the martial art known, as "karate" was an indigenous form of closed fist fighting, which was developed in Okinawa, referred to as "Te" or "hand". Weapons bans, imposed upon the Okinawans at various points in history, encouraged the refinement of empty hand techniques. For this reason, "Te" was trained in secret until modern times. Further refinement came with the influence of other martial arts introduced by nobles and trade merchants to the Island.

Te continued to develop over the years, primarily in three Okinawan cities:

Shuri, Naha, Tomari

Each of these towns was a center to a different sect of society; the aristocracy (kings and nobles), the middle class (merchants and business people) and the fisherman and farmers, respectively. For this reason, different forms of self-defense developed within each city and subsequently became know as

Shuri-te, Naha-te, Tomari-te

Collectively these practices or early systems were called Okinawa-Te or "Tode", meaning Chinese Hand

The first demonstration of "Karate" took place in Japan in 1917 when Gichin Funakoshi performed at the Butoku-den in Kyoto. This and subsequent demonstrations not only greatly impressed many Japanese, but drew the attention and enthusiasm of the Crown-Prince Hirohito.

The first demonstration of Karate takes place in Tokyo which was supported by Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo.

Karate was still not a codified system and was not considered a "legitimate martial art" due to the prejudice of the Japanese populace toward the Okinawans.

Yasuhiro Konishi, a board member of the Dai Nippon Butokukai (the sanctioning body for martial arts in Japan) becomes interested in Karate in 1924.

In 1935, Konishi succeeded in having Karate accepted as a legitimate martial art and registered the system with the Dai Nippon Butokukai. With this, a formalized curriculum was established for each "ryu" or system of Karate as a requirement for sanctioning.

Six systems are registered:

Goju-ryu under Chojun Miyagi
Shito-ryu under Kenwa Mabuni
Wado-ryu under Hirononri Ohtsuka
Shotokan under Gichin Funakoshi
Kushin-ryu under Ueshima Sannosuke
Shindo Jinen-ryu under Yasuhiro Konishi

From the six original systems, four of them became very popular and established themselves as the primary systems within Japan:

***karate and olympic

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The WKF President, Mr. A. Espinos and the WKF Gen. Secretary, Mr. G. Yerolimpos attended the 35th General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) which was held in Brussels on December 8th and 9th. The WKF President and WKF Gen. Secretary had been officially invited by the EOC President, Mr. Patrick Hickey. It is worth noting that the WKF was the only international federation invited to the General Assembly.

It was a particular honor for the WKF and me personally this invitation of the dear friend Mr. P. Hickey, the EOC President. Besides attending the works of the 35th EOC General Assembly we were given the opportunity to discuss with the IOC and the European Olympic Committees representatives about issues concerning karate and its course for inclusion in the Olympic Games programme”, said the WKF President, Mr. A. Espinos.

***karate

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Karate is generally described as originating in Okinawa, Japan, influenced by the various practitioners who migrated to Japan from China during the early 20th century.

As a martial art, karate evolved from a mixture of indigenous Okinawan Japanese fighting arts and Chinese martial arts. Originally there were no particular styles, only a network of practitioners, each with their own individual fighting methods and eclectic traditions.

Like most martial arts practiced in Japan, modern karate made its transition as a sport from the jujitsu schools around the beginning of the 20th century. Karate was introduced into high schools before World War II; many universities initiated their own karate club programmes.

Karate was introduced to other countries around 1950 by Japanese masters of the art, many of whom came from the JKA (Japan Karate Association). However, no national and international organisations were formed.

The first world championships were held in 1970. Like taekwondo and judo, karate has been adapted for practice as a competitive sport; presently there are a multitude of styles and schools.

Karate became an Asian Games sport during the 11th Asian Games in 1990 in Beijing, China

karate : way of the empty hand

Thu, 28 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Karate

The ancient martial art means 'way of the empty hand', striking without using weapons Karate, literally meaning "way of the empty hand" in Japanese, is a martial art that emphasises striking techniques such as punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes using open hand techniques. It originated as a method of self-defence which relied on the effective use of the unarmed body, and was made up of elaborate techniques of blocking or thwarting an attack and counter-attacking. As a physical art, karate is almost without equal. This highly dynamic sport provides excellent all-round exercise and develops co-ordination and agility, making balanced use of a large number of body muscles.Modern karate is a combat sport that employs a formal method of physical and mental training. All punches, kicks, blows and strikes must be controlled and pulled back before contact to avoid injuries to either contestant. Different karate styles have varying belt orders, but white almost always means beginner and black is the highest belt attainable. Dress for competitive karate consists of the karate suit, the karategi, or gi, with the belt, bare feet and mitts.Kata is the name of a very popular form of karate. It is a set sequence of basic defence and attacking routines which is performed alone, usually on a mat. At competition level, a technically good routine is essential for success.

beautifual wallpaper for your Desktop

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

for downloading 100% free wallpapers related to karate go to photogallery/Wallpaper section . enjoty it.

***follow KARATE tournaments and events via tournaments & events section

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

if you are a fan of KARATE you can follow latest tournaments & events via tournaments and events board in top section of this site .

New version of ISKO-KARATEDO.COM released.

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

new version of ISKO-KARATEDO.COM , official website of International KARATE DO Organization (ISKO) today released . in new version of this website we added most usefull section for a Sport Website . some of these features are under construction and we currently working for releasing V 2.0 of this website.