00:00 (KARATE)
00:04 In 2020, karate will make its debut as an Olympic sport.
00:16 This traditional Japanese martial art
00:23 emphasises strikes and kicks.
00:26 (KARATE)
00:30 In sport karate, two competition formats are used.
00:35 Kumite is a type of sparring.
00:40 Points are gained by attacking the chin or body.
00:43 It looks as if they make contact,
00:46 but all blows are pulled before they hit.
00:49 The other format is kata.
00:56 These are choreographed sequences of techniques.
00:58 Unlike kumite, kata are practised without a partner.
01:06 Instead, each fixed set of movements
01:14 is performed while visualising an opponent.
01:16 Points are given for displaying precision and power.
01:23 (OKINAWA)
01:27 The island of Okinawa lies in the far south of Japan.
01:33 Modern Japanese karate has its roots
01:38 in the traditional Okinawan martial art.
01:41 In Okinawa, the main emphasis is on kata.
01:51 In principle, every kata begins by neutralising an attacker.
01:55 For example, look at the way his right hand moves.
02:02 This is a technique to intercept and deflect a strike.
02:08 After defending himself, he then uses the minimum force needed
02:14 to subdue his attacker.
02:17 (OKINAWAN KARATE)
02:21 Okinawan karate is a martial art based on defence.
02:25 A traditional karate practitioner never strikes first.
02:32 Our goal isn't to destroy an opponent, it's simply to subdue him.
02:37 At its heart, Okinawan karate is a way to discipline yourself
02:40 and train your character.
02:43 Because karate is an excellent means to develop self-discipline,
02:47 it's often taught in schools.
02:50 In Okinawa, over 80% of middle schoolers take karate classes.
02:57 This has far more than just physical benefits.
03:03 It strengthens their powers of concentration and fortitude.
03:11 The most important thing they learn from karate is the concept of rei.
03:15 Rei means always showing respect and gratitude to others.
03:20 That's why karate class begins with a bow.
03:24 Karate gives them a natural sense of courtesy and respect
03:31 that will serve them well throughout life.
03:35 What karate has taught me is the importance of always having
03:40 good manners and showing gratitude to other people.
03:43 Karate teaches you to think about the other person
03:47 and be aware of their feelings.
03:49 And I learned how important it is to greet people correctly.
03:52 The more you discipline and strengthen yourself in karate,
03:57 the more you learn respect for others.
04:00 This is the spirit we hope karate training will nurture in our students.
04:05 The more powerful you become as a person,
04:08 the more important it is to develop a humble attitude.
04:11 Polishing and refining physical skills,
04:15 we refine our character too.
04:17 This is the essence of karate.
04:23 Learn more at www.karate.com
04:27 Thank you for watching!
04:31 Please subscribe to my channel!
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