The Fun and Crazy Karate Facts

1. Karate originated in Okinawa, Japan – but some people say it was first developed in India! 2. The word “Karate” means “empty hands” because you don’t need anything but your body to do it. 3. Not all Karate moves involve kicking and punching – some involve dancing! 4. Karate practitioners wear special belts to show how advanced they are. The belt colour goes from white (beginner) to black (master). 5. Karate was originally used as a form of self-defence against wild animals. 6. Karate was banned in Okinawa for hundreds of years, so people had to practice it in secret! 7. The Karate Kid movies were all made in the 1980s. They starred a young man named Daniel-san. 8. People have been using Karate moves in movies and TV shows for over 50 years – even James Bond!