Karate-to

What first of all occur to most of people when the speech comes about east martial arts? Of course, karate - to. This, perhaps, the most popular type of martial art arose on the island of Okinawa. Initially the word "karate-to" meant "a way of the Chinese hand" as its formation was influenced considerably by the Chinese martial arts, but in 1933 the master Gitin Funakosi changed in writing a hieroglyph "Chinese" to a hieroglyph "empty". Both hieroglyphs are read equally - "penalty". The master emphasized with this replacement not only nature of single combat - fight without weapon - but also his independence. In 1955 there was the Japanese association of karate - to, and Funakosi became her chief instructor.

In karate there is a set of the directions which are strongly differing among themselves. The most popular among them - setokan, called by experts the alphabet of karate. Methods of fight at an average and short distance, blows legs at the lower and top level are the cornerstone. Xietuokan demands good physical training and fast reaction.

One of the youngest directions is the Kyokushin kaikan, founded in 1969. Methods of training differ in severe discipline, and, unlike other directions, the emphasis is placed not on philosophical aspects and moral self-improvement, and on fighting efficiency. One of the most difficult examinations is so-called "hundred kumite" - hundred fights without interruption.

In a sieve-ryu the emphasis is placed on speed of movements, the correct breath and work with the center of gravity, in other words, with ability to hold balance. This direction includes 50 kata - sets of exercises that much more, than in any other style. Some duels are carried out to a sieve-ryu in an armor in ancient Japanese style.

The direction godzyu-ryu connects methods of karate to some elements taken from the Chinese martial arts. This style distinguishes a combination of fast and smooth movements.

Style vado-ryu, created in 1938, is considered the most Japanese of all. In it biases and throws dominate, the special attention is paid to development of a special condition of mind.

Perhaps, the most spectacular style is karate kosik - to because of the applied shock and another equipment. This direction is also quite injury-causing therefore all duels pass with obligatory use of protective equipment.