Karate is a martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan in the 14th century. Karate comprises blocks, punches, kicks and throws that are performed using the practitioner’s hands and feet. The karate competition consists of kata (forms) and kumite (sparring). Kata are demonstrations of forms consisting of a series of offensive and defensive movements, targeting a virtual opponent. In kumite, two karateka face each other in a matted competition area; athletes score points by completing a series of blows on the target area of their opponent’s body.
