Forum 2:  "American Karate - What?"

Karate originated in the far east and as eastern peoples were introduced to the many fighting techniques, different systems were promulgated.  The different systems were due to the different body types and cultural backgrounds.  The different systems came from Okinawa, China, Korea, and Japan.  Karate was brought back to America by our servicemen who learned from the orientals when we fought the Japanese and the North Koreans in World War II and the Korean conflict.

Most karate schools in this country, especially the governing body of karate for the United States, gives credence to the traditional background of karate by emphasizing oriental philosophy and by teaching mostly through repetition of kata.  While we believe that high degree of knowledge concerning karate-do's past is beneficial, the American style bases its philosophy on the American individualism, science, and innovation,

In reality, the American Style of Karate was originated by the top kumite competitors in the nation who discovered that the far east karate techniques did not always work because the American body is different from typical Orientals and because the kata didn't represent a free realistic fight situation.  The American Style has developed from and through the traditional systems and similar methods of karate-do.  The system is functional for Americans and is growing each year.  The American culture includes freedom of expression, sport competition, individualism, science, and innovation.  Self defense drills, scientific use of sports equipment for training, safe and practical kumite sessions, and the unique adoption of American boxing and wrestling techniques with the best karate techniques of the many karate systems, are but a few of the physical differences between American and Oriental karate styles.  We have an American that won the World title in traditional karate and our Americans on the open circuit have won many World Championships mostly professional open circuit tournaments.

Karate-do is an art and it will continue to grow in America if we, especially Black Belts, give back as much as we take away from this great art.

Sam

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