Today, karate is a leading fighting style globally. In fact, it’s the one with the richest of histories. As a result, it comes to no one’s surprise that many elite fighters use karate in worldwide fighting platforms, such as the UFC. However, are karate and martial arts the same?
Karate is a martial art because of two primary reasons: it teaches people to fight appropriately, and it was constructed in times of war. These two aspects are the two characteristics of any martial art, regardless of its other characteristics or the fighting techniques it teaches.
Numerous martial arts exist today. Each brings its unique value into play. For example, wrestling teaches fierce takedowns and throws. Moreover, BJJ is the art of ground grappling.
In our case, karate is a martial art which spreads to many branches (styles). So, everyone can find at least a single one suitable for them. For example, there’s Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Uechi-Ryu, and Shotokan karate. Of course, the list goes on; but, these are just a few examples.
Eventually, martial arts and karate are the same because they both have the same purpose, teach others self-defense. Karate was born in Okinawa, Japan. The Okinawan people wanted to know self-defense, as times were times of war. As such, it was constructed.
As time passed, it became clear to everyone that karate will inevitably become popular. It spread throughout Japan and entered the mainstream stages. Currently, it’s a part of the Olympic Games, a renowned mainstream stage with many global viewers.
This article will examine and demonstrate why karate and other martial arts are the same. Now, let’s start by explaining why that’s the case.
Before moving on, if you want to study karate – hold up! I encourage you to read the following article about Karate’s belt order. It’s must-know information if you desire to study karate.
Why karate is a form of martial arts
All fighting styles have a purpose, regardless of what they teach or preach. Most of them have the same goal, the same purpose – to teach others self-defense. So, let’s examine why karate is a form of martial arts.
Karate is a form of martial arts because it teaches highly effective fighting techniques, primarily punching and kicking, to other people. Moreover, all fighting styles have a purpose; the same applies to karate, which purpose is: to teach people how to fight properly.
Usually, people regard to different martial arts with two different categories: grappling and striking ones.
Let’s examine some martial arts and understand what category they fit into.
Judo. Judo is a fighting style, which focus is throwing grappling rather than striking techniques. As a result, judo competitions won’t legalize using punches and kicks to gain an advantage because it’s not what it teaches.
BJJ . Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a fighting style that focuses on ground grappling. Such techniques are highly effective, and some will argue they’re the most effective ones. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see BJJ fighters end a fight in a few seconds.
Boxing. Boxing is a martial art that focuses on striking techniques, specifically punching in countless forms. Additionally, boxers will learn how to use footwork and weight shifting techniques to throw extremely powerful punches.
Now, when we examine our case, karate is a fighting style that focuses on punching and kicking; hence, striking. Nonetheless, particular styles briefly go over the art of grappling, but, not many do so. As a result, it falls under the category of striking martial arts.
So, it’s somewhat effortless to suggest that karate is a martial art. I mean, it all seems to fall together. It has a purpose, check. It teaches people how to fight, check. Likewise, it’s highly effective, both in self-defense and all dangerous fighting scenarios. So, it’s a no-brainer to propose that karate is a martial art.
Should you learn karate?
Today, there are countless martial arts. As such, you might get confused when trying to decide which one to learn. Therefore, it’s essential we define which people should study the art of karate. If we don’t, you might miss out on a grand opportunity here.
Learning karate is for those wanting to better themselves physically and mentally. As such, if you have a desire for self-improvement, consider honing your journey with karate training. In your training, not only will you learn to fight aggressively, but you’ll also notice other benefits, such as improved confidence and self-esteem.
If you are unsure whether you should learn the art of karate, it’ll be best to look at other options as well. I believe I haven’t suggested it’s the sole option for you. If I did, it wasn’t my purpose.
Instead, if you believe karate isn’t suitable to your desires, then don’t learn it. Rather, examine other options to see what fits you best. I highly recommend reading a piece of mine about the best martial arts for self-defense that you should learn. It’ll organize everything in your head appropriately.
Here’s a glimpse of some positive benefits karate grants its trainees:
- Better social life
- Knowing how to fight
- Better confidence
- Improved self-esteem
- Lower aggression levels
- Reduced stress
- Self-discipline and work ethic
- Teaches valuable life-lessons
- Betters physical shape
Training in martial arts has been shown to alter experiences of control and vulnerability, self-esteem, self-concept, fitness, confidence, and relaxation. As a result, some researchers characterize martial arts practice as a form of self-help.
Columbus & Rice, 1998
Now, I want you to picture yourself with only a single of these benefits. How greater would your life look? Well, imagine yourself with all of these. Wouldn’t you be an entirely different, better person?
Most people would do anything to experience three of the above benefits. You can get them all by remaining consistent with karate training, regardless of how hard matters seem to be.
Read more about the benefits of all martial arts by following the link to an article of mine.
Final words
To end this article, I want to emphasize how much karate can positively impact your life. It comes to no surprise that the benefits of all martial arts—are many. As a result, regardless of your position in life, you’ll benefit from consistent fighting classes.
I’ve witnessed the transformation of many individuals who began their trainee journey. They began changing their perspective on the world and slowly shift their mindsets toward life.
Now, they’re capable of achieving anything they desire. That’s including any personal or work-related pursuit they set their eyes to achieve. I’m not suggesting it’s 100% karate’s fault. However, I am proposing that it does have some influence to that change.
In short, if you want to positively change your life and experience countless physical and mental benefits, martial arts are for you.
Today, not many people will follow-through their desires—when a long-journey is ahead of them. Nonetheless, you can be different. You can be the one that takes the wheel-of-life with both of your hands.
Don’t be afraid of letting go of your fears, you don’t have to hold on to them. Instead, start your journey because even a marathon starts with a single step.
If you enjoyed reading this article, I also encourage you to read about whether karate originates from Japan or China.