The origins or Karate can be traced back to China, but the modern form is said to owe its developmetn to the Okinawan islanders who, when overrun in the early seventeenth century by oppressors who banned the use of weapons of any kind, developed a system of unarmed combat which porived most effective. Trained exponents of their method were able to dismount horsemen with jumping kicks and then punch through their bamboo armour with their hardened fists. As the discipline developed, weaponary such as the rice-flail was ingeniously introduced

In 1917 karate was introduced to the Japanese mainland, where it's development continued with the formation of five main styles: Shotokan, Shitoryu, Gojuryu, Wadoryu and Shukokai. Since then numerous sub-developments have taken place, all of which have their roots in the classic teachings

After world war two, General MacArthur endorsed the development of Karate by encoraging its instruction to American servicemen. In this way Karate was transported to the western world, where it developed not only as an effective form of self defence but as a method par excellence of developing fitness. Although it had been practised as a sport in the Japanese universities, its popularity mushroomed in the West. By the early 1970s, following films such as Enter the Dragon starring Bruce Lee, it was estimated that 60,000 - 100,000 people in the United Kingdom had taken up the sport.

The peak velocity attained by a straight punch executed by a trained exponent is 35-40 mph with a force exerted of 3000 Newton’s or 675lbs per square inch. These figures are proportionally higher for kicks. A velocity of 20mph is sufficient to break concrete. The secret of the Karate blow is striking surface area, for example the first and second knuckles only.

All Karate exponents (Karateka) are aware that wood is easier toi break than concrete. The reason for this is that only part of the energy is actually transferred to the target; the remainder is transferred to the striking fist, where it is experienced as pain. Although wood will absorb most of the hand's kinetic energy, concrete obstinately refuses at least half of it. This presents a psychological problem to even the most hardened karateka.

A further mystery is what the bones of the hand do not break when striking wood or concrete. This is because bone is much tougher the either, and provided the forces are directed along the lines of stress on the bones, no damage will be sustained. Implicit in this is the posture of their striking hand or foot which must e correct if injury is to be prevented. Remember this in all aspects of Karate training and practice.

This is a regular feature of modern karate which is increasing in popularity. Once exclusive to men, it now attracts woman and children. Weight and grading categories have permitted a wide range of participation so that many exponents have the opportunity to become winners. Most competitions are of three types: Traditional, Semi Contact and Full Contact

Traditional competition: This remains the most popular form of competition.  Contests last two to three minutes. Blows are directed at specific taregts on an opponent but are withdrawn just before or at contact. Points are scored on the basis of half points or full points depending on the style, quality and intensity of the technique.

Semi-contact competition: In some styles (e.g., Kyokushinkai) the rules permit full contact to the body with punches and kicks. High kicks to the side of the head and sweeps or kicks to the legs are also allowed. A full point and subsequently a win is given for a good knockdown or a knockout, which is said to have occurred if the fighter is unable to stand up within five seconds of being knocked down. Half a point is given if the technique floors a fighter who is nevertheless able to get up within 5 seconds. After each round competitors are required to demonstrate their ability at wood breaking before progressing to the next one. The weapons are the straight punch, the sid eof the hand andf the elbow. Each contest lasts two to three minutes.

Full-contact competition: This is a more recent development which bears many resemblances to Thai boxing. Blows of unrestrained velocity are directed with the hands or feet against the opponent. The contest is fought in two rounds as in boxing, and the winner is the fighter who accumulates most points or who succeeds in knocking out his opponent.

Kata are prearranged forms or contests against imaginary opponents. They are conducted with rhythm and commitment and are valuable in developing concentration and good technique. They are also a specific feature of competition karate which have developed a strong following

Paul Anderson 2008