Karate

Karate is a Japanese martial art that is often referred to as Karate-Do meaning the way of the empty hand.  It originated in Okinawa which is part of a small chain of islands to the south.  Karate is considered to be a "hard-style" because of its emphasis on powerful impact techniques including blocks, punches and kicks.  There are many different styles of karate and some of the best known are Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, and Kyokushin-kai.