Editing Karate (section)

==Practice==
{{See also|Okinawan kobudō|Japanese martial arts#Philosophical and strategic concepts}}
Karate can be practiced as an art ([[budō]]), [[Self-defense|self defense]] or as a [[combat sport]]. Traditional karate places emphasis on self-development (budō).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itkf.org/tk.html |title=International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) |access-date=23 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204111922/http://www.itkf.org/tk.html |archive-date=4 December 2010 }}</ref> Modern Japanese style training emphasizes the psychological elements incorporated into a proper ''kokoro'' (attitude) such as perseverance, fearlessness, virtue, and leadership skills. Sport karate places emphasis on exercise and competition. Weapons are an important training activity in some styles of karate.

Karate training is commonly divided into ''[[kihon]]'' (basics or fundamentals), ''[[Kata (martial arts)|kata]]'' (forms), and ''[[kumite]]'' (sparring).

===Kihon===
{{Main|Kihon}}
Kihon means basics and these form the base for everything else in the style including stances, strikes, punches, kicks and blocks. Karate styles place varying importance on kihon. Typically this is training in unison of a technique or a combination of techniques by a group of karateka. Kihon may also be prearranged drills in smaller groups or in pairs.

===Kata===
{{Main|Karate kata}}
[[File:Motobu Choki2.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Motobu Chōki|Chōki Motobu]] in Naihanchi-dachi, one of the basic karate stances]]Kata ([[wikt:型|型]]:かた) means literally "shape" or "model." Kata is a formalized sequence of movements which represent various offensive and defensive postures. These postures are based on idealized combat applications. The applications when applied in a demonstration with real opponents is referred to as a [[Bunkai]]. The Bunkai shows how every stance and movement is used. Bunkai is a useful tool to understand a kata.

To attain a formal rank the karateka must demonstrate competent performance of specific required kata for that level. The Japanese terminology for grades or ranks is commonly used. Requirements for examinations vary among schools.

===Kumite===
{{Main|Kumite}}
[[File:からて.jpg|thumb|[[Bōgutsuki Karate|Bōgutsuki]], a form of full-contact karate fought with [[Bōgu|armour]], one of the competition formats for kumite]]
[[Sparring]] in Karate is called kumite (組手:くみて). It literally means "meeting of hands." Kumite is practiced both as a sport and as self-defense training.
Levels of physical contact during sparring vary considerably. [[Full contact karate]] has several variants. Knockdown karate (such as [[Kyokushin]]) uses full power techniques to bring an opponent to the ground. Sparring in armour, ''[[bogu kumite]]'', allows full power techniques with some safety. Sport kumite in many international competition under the [[World Karate Federation]] is free or structured with [[light contact]] or [[semi contact]] and points are awarded by a referee.

In structured kumite (''yakusoku'', prearranged), two participants perform a choreographed series of techniques with one striking while the other blocks. The form ends with one devastating technique (''hito tsuki'').

In free sparring (Jiyu Kumite), the two participants have a free choice of scoring techniques. The allowed techniques and contact level are primarily determined by sport or style organization policy, but might be modified according to the age, rank and sex of the participants. Depending upon style, [[takedown (grappling)|take-downs]], [[Sweep (martial arts)|sweeps]] and in some rare cases even time-limited [[grappling]] on the ground are also allowed.

Free sparring is performed in a marked or closed area. The bout runs for a fixed time (2 to 3 minutes.) The time can run continuously (''iri kume'') or be stopped for referee judgment. In [[light contact]] or [[semi contact]] kumite, points are awarded based on the criteria: good form, sporting attitude, vigorous application, awareness/''[[zanshin]]'', good timing and correct distance.
In full contact karate kumite, points are based on the results of the impact, rather than the formal appearance of the scoring technique.

===Dōjō Kun===
{{Main|Dōjō kun}}
In the [[bushidō]] tradition ''dōjō kun'' is a set of guidelines for karateka to follow. These guidelines apply both in the ''[[dōjō]]'' (training hall) and in everyday life.

===Conditioning===
Okinawan karate uses supplementary training known as ''[[hojo undo]]''. This uses simple equipment made of wood and stone. The ''[[makiwara]]'' is a striking post. The ''[[Hojo undo#Nigiri game|nigiri game]]'' is a large jar used for developing grip strength. These supplementary exercises are designed to increase [[Physical strength|strength]], [[Endurance|stamina]], [[speed]], and [[Motor coordination|muscle coordination]].<ref>{{cite book |last = Higaonna |first = Morio |title = Traditional Karatedo Vol. 1 Fundamental Techniques |year = 1985 |isbn =0-87040-595-0 |page = 67 }}</ref> Sport Karate emphasizes [[aerobic exercise]], [[anaerobic exercise]], [[Power (physics)|power]], [[Sport agility|agility]], [[Flexibility (anatomy)|flexibility]], and [[stress management]].<ref>{{cite book |last = Mitchell |first = David |title = Winning Karate Competition |year = 1991 |isbn =0-7136-3402-2 |page = 25 |publisher = A & C Black }}</ref> All practices vary depending upon the school and the teacher.