Karate is one of the most popular martial arts practiced by kids, teens, and adults all over the world. It was developed under the Ryukyu Kingdom, which is now know as Okinawa, Japan. The roots of Karate start with the fighting methods of the Ryukyu Island natives and was later developed to include a certain series of moves that include punching, elbow hits, kicking as well as other open-handed techniques. A Karateka, or a Karate student, learns discipline and other values as part of his/her Karate lessons.

The first Karate school was built in 1924 in mainland Japan by a local university, Keio University. Eight years later, most Japanese universities built Karate clubs of their own. Although Karate was considered a skill shared among Japanese natives only, the skill was eventually popularized with the contribution of American servicemen who were stationed in Okinawa during World War II.

The practice of Karate later became a popular fighting medium in Oriental, as well as Foreign action movies. Along with the rise of Karateka or Karate practitioners came the rise of Karate dojos around the globe.

While most people consider Karate to be a martial art and an exercise, other practitioners look at Karate as a way of life and a meditative practice. Karate incorporates various values into each kata making it a perfect ethical sport.

Today, Karate can be learned in schools as a physical exercise or in police academies to teach future policemen how to handle hand-to-hand combat. According to Web Japan, there are about 50 million Karateka around the world.

If you want to learn this martial art, it is never too late. Simply look for a Karate dojo nearby and you could become the next Karate Kid!