Modern

Karate 

This site is created to give the reader a quick insight of the authors' view on karate. Many things happened since the early 1920's, time when Master Gichin Funakoshi moved from his native Okinawa to mainland Japan and began to modernize karate, to change it from what at that time was exclusive Martial Art of adult male into what is 80 years later inclusive Modern Day Sport practiced by old and young, male and female.

Major events that emerged in the last 80 years of very important times for karate may be summarized as follows:

• Children became the largest segment of society to practice karate. They needed a unique approach to training since they are not simply scaled-down adults, and principles used in practice with adults cannot be used with the children without proper modification.

• Modern concept of training that has its basis in Sports Medicine began slowly to find its place in karate training, particularly with the preparation of athletes for the competition.

• Teaching methodology reached new levels. Concepts of western teaching methodology replaced traditional karate training which in its original form was almost exclusively designed to address martial arts needs of adults males.

• Scientific investigations into various aspects of karate began to emerge although still in their rudimental form.

• Social and economical changes were brought upon by the arrival of modern technology which resulted in giving up a large portion of physical labor that prior to that was a significant part of the regular workplace. Karate is explored as a substitute for the lack of physical activity, a choice not only for the workplace but also for schools as a part of physical education programs.

• Karate is also utilized as an alternative of health enhancing physical activity in working with Obese and Type II Diabetic individuals. Both conditions are health hazards and during the last 10 years are reaching epidemic proportions.

• Recent comments by both the U.S. Surgeon General and statements in "Healthy People 2010" placed a great deal of emphasis on the need for physical activity daily; 30 minutes a day should be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. Due to its unique conditioning potential, karate can be used as an effective tool to combat lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle.

Acknowledging the above mentioned statements to be of great importance, not only for changes that are occurring in karate but also for having major influence on the members of modern industrial societies, karate books written by the authors dare to venture out of traditional boundaries of karate literature to explore new avenues for scientific karate utilizing it as a tool of change.