Definition

Noun: 1. A traditional Japanese martial art and system of unarmed combat: Karate is a discipline in which an individual uses sharp, focused blows with the hands, elbows, knees, and feet, as well as kicks, to strike pressure-sensitive points on an opponent's body. It emphasizes self-defense, physical conditioning, and mental discipline.

Usage

• Karate is practiced as a sport, a form of self-defense training, and a method of physical and spiritual development.
• It is typically modified for safe sporting competition with controlled contact or no direct contact to vital areas.
• The term is used as a mass (uncountable) noun when referring to the art or practice in general.

Examples

• She has a black belt in karate.
• He started learning karate for self-defense.
• The dojo teaches traditional Okinawan karate.
• Karate emphasizes both physical technique and mental focus.

Advanced Usage

• "Karate chop": A colloquial term for a sharp, focused strike with the side of the hand, a technique derived from karate.
  • He broke the board with a powerful karate chop.
• Used attributively (as a noun modifier) to describe things related to the martial art.
  • A karate tournament, a karate uniform (gi), karate techniques.

Variants and Related Words

• Karateka (noun): A practitioner of karate.
  • The experienced karateka demonstrated the kata flawlessly.

Synonyms

• Martial art: A general term for various systems of combat and self-defense, such as judo or taekwondo. (Note: Karate is a specific type of martial art.)
• Self-defense system: A system for protecting oneself from physical harm.

Related Phrases

• "Kata": A formalized sequence of movements in karate, simulating a fight against multiple opponents.
• "Kumite": Sparring or freestyle practice against an opponent in karate.

Noun

1. a traditional Japanese system of unarmed combat; sharp blows and kicks are given to pressure-sensitive points on the body of the opponent