10 Fun Facts About Karate That Will Make You Smile

1. Karate isn't just about punches and kicks. In fact, the name Karate comes from the Japanese words "kara" which means "empty," and "te" which means "hand." So, literally, Karate means "empty hand." 2. Karate was developed in Okinawa in the early 1700s. Back then, it was used as a way for people to defend themselves without weapons. 3. The Karate family tree is huge. It has more than 12 branches, ranging from Karate to Jiu-Jitsu to Aikido and more.

4. Karate is an Olympic sport. It was added to the Olympic program in 1988 and has been part of the games ever since. 5. Karate is all about balance. In fact, the sport teaches you how to keep your balance while you are throwing and blocking punches. 6. Karate teaches you how to control your breath. And controlling your breath can help you stay calm and focused in stressful situations. 7. Karate isn't just about physical strength. You need to be mentally strong too. It helps to develop self-discipline and concentration. 8. Karate isn’t just for adults. Kids can start training karate at the age of 5 or 6. 9. Karate comes with a lot of cool uniform choices. You can wear colorful belts, robes, and headbands that reflect your level of skill. 10. And finally, Karate can be a lot of fun. There are tournaments, competitions, and other events that can help you make friends and have a good time.