Martial Arts

Karate uniform sizes are standardized throughout the industry. They're labeled by number, with lower numbers smaller than higher numbers. This numbering system corresponds with no other sizing...

A gi is the uniform karate students wear while studying the martial art. It should be worn with respect for the ancient practice, your master and your school. Part of this respect is making sure...

The jacket, pants and belt that make up the basic karate uniform, formally called a gi, are usually made of a heavy canvas cotton or cotton-blend material. The traditional gi is white, although...

A karate gi (uniform) is composed of a kimona-style jacket, a loose-fitting pair of pants and a belt. Karate training can be grueling, and after an intense session of kicking and punching, your gi...

Karate gis serve several purposes, including identifying status and the type of karate being undertaken. They also help to provide a feeling of acceptance among participants.

The traditional karate gi (uniform) consists of a kimono-style jacket, loose pants, and a cloth belt. Karate gi pants are designed to fit securely at the waist while still allowing the karateka...

Japanese fighting styles have been practiced for centuries, and they have evolved throughout history as various practitioners and teachers have elaborated on the ancient techniques. The basic...

Karate is a martial art that developed originally in Okinawa, and was brought to mainland Japan in the late 1800s. The belts worn by karate practitioners, or "karateka", signify their rank in the...

Kenpo Karate and other martial arts may have had their roots in Asian countries such as China and Japan, but they have now found popularity throughout the world. Some people are lucky enough to...

Belt rank in karate is simply a gauge of progress, a set of clearly defined benchmarks on your quest for mastery. Though the concept of black belt is often wrapped in a sort of mystic sense, the...

The traditional uniform worn by martial artists is called a gi. The basic gi is a jacket with overlapping flaps, a loose-fitting pair of pants, and a belt that not only holds the jacket closed,...

The flurry of kicks and punches that most people associate with karate are meaningless without a strong base of fundamentals. One cornerstone of any karate student's training is breathing...

Each martial art style has it's own logo. While training, a uniform is worn called a gi. A common karate gi resembles a cloth type suit. A colored belt is worn to represent your level of...

Comparing two styles of martial arts can be difficult. Many styles share similar techniques and often share a common ancestry. This is true of karate and wushu.

In karate, it is very important to understand the proper way to wear the uniform with pride and style depending on the level of belt. Learn the correct way with tips from an expert martial artist...

Applying pressure points in karate is mostly used in self defense scenarios and deals with forcing impact on a sensitive part of body. Fend off an attacker with advice and techniques shown by a...

Spinning a bo staff for striking or blocking techniques in karate requires good wrist strength, speed and balance. Master the perfect move as demonstrated by a martial arts expert in this free...

Knowing how to measure and choose a bo staff in karate depends on whether the staff is for training purposes or for competition because there are various styles and sizes. Train or compete with...

Determining the correct size of a bo staff in martial arts is very important for beginners because having control over the staff is the first step in mastering this weapon. Find the right height...

Using a bo staff in karate is a great weapon to use for striking, blocking and spinning techniques when facing an oncoming attacker or opponent. Learn the different styles with advice from a...

Using weapons in karate dates back to the ancient world and each has its own style and purpose. Learn about the bo, staff, sword and more with tips from a martial arts expert in this free video...

Knowing the rules and regulations of karate, from types of tournaments, types of disqualifications, styles and proper etiquette are extremely important to understand in martial arts. Learn how to...

Becoming a black belt in karate is all about the journey of reaching that balance of mind, body and spirit. Understand the importance of this journey with advice from a martial arts expert in this...

Tying a karate belt properly is an important aspect of this form of martial arts and should always be done properly. Learn to keep the length between the knees and waist with advice from two Tae...

Although you'll learn any physical discipline best with an instructor to guide you, many people have learned martial arts such as karate online. To do so, you'll need as much discipline and...

Kyokushin is a full-contact style of karate created in Japan in 1964 by Masutatsu Oyama. According to Kyokushin Wildeboer, its philosophy mandates discipline, intense training and the commitment...

The martial art of karate requires strenuous physical and mental discipline. As each step in the process taken to achieve these goals is completed, the student is awarded a colored belt denoting...

Karate is a Japanese martial art that can be practiced in any space with a level floor and a large enough area for the karateka (karate student) to step forward and extend his arms and legs....

Isshin-ryu is a style of karate developed by Tatsuo Shimabuku in the mid-20th century. According to North Carolina Isshinryu Karate Kai, Shimabuku had studied other karate styles, including...

The word "karate" translates as "empty hand" in Japanese. This means that only the body and its natural tools are needed to practice the art. There are, however, certain pieces of equipment that...

Children’s karate programs are available from many different martial arts schools, each one with their own way of teaching and handling their students. You need to make sure that the instructors...

Kickboxing has its roots in the sport of Muay Thai, practiced in Thailand and other parts of Asia. But while both sports involve a combination of kicks and punches, there are differences: Muay...

Karate, the open-handed martial art practiced in far-eastern nations, is a sport and lifestyle encompassing many different traditions. For a karateka, or karate student, one of the most...

Karate uses a colored belt system to recognize the rank of each karateka (karate practitioner). The most well-known colors are white, which signifies a beginning student, and black, which...

Modern kickboxing is a combat sport that combines the punching techniques of traditional boxing with the kicking techniques of martial arts such as Karate, Tae Kwon Do and Muay Thai. Although...

Karate, which means "empty hand" in Japanese, is a martial art that involves kicking, punching, blocking and evasion techniques. There are many different styles of karate that have evolved...

Capoeira fighting techniques begin with the Ginga, which is the basic stance, and develop into the Martelo, which is known as the round house in karate. See a few fighting moves with helpful tips...

For those unfamiliar with the belt system in karate, it may seem like an arbitrary assignment of colors to determine rank. While the belts to distinguish practitioners is based on a determined...

As is often the case, form indicates function. The origin and history of the karate gi is no different. The style and materials of the garment are intertwined with its tangible usage and cultural...

Considering the current appeal of mixed martial arts in the United States, many people have a renewed interest in the martial arts. Children are taking an interest in traditional karate classes in...

Are you wondering, “Can I can ever motivate my child be do karate?” I know, as a parent, finding the right sport for your child can be a daunting task and keeping them motivated for such long...

The World Karate Federation encompasses six continents and holds international tournaments. To maintain the integrity of the sport and promote safe competition, there are specific rules that...

The simplicity of karate relative to other martial art styles makes it one of the most effective self-defense/fighting styles. Mastering the basic fundamentals of the side kick will allow you to...

Shorinji Kempo Karate is an anomaly in martial arts, because its philosophy and techniques stress both its "soft" and "hard" aspects. Drawing from the Chinese Saholin kung-fu, as well as Aikido...

In Shotokan karate, every technique is done in the best way possible, and high kicks are used. Avoid wasting movement in Shotokan karate with lessons from an advanced black belt in Shotokan karate...

In order to do a basic flip out spin of a sai weapon, bring the fingers over, straight out and back. Move everything outside-in when doing advanced sai spins with lessons from an advanced black...

A sai can be used in conjunction with basic karate stances and techniques, such as straight punches. Find out how to strike and block another weapon with a sai with lessons from an advanced black...

In sai weapon training, the key to getting better is to make sure to get the basic spin out faster. Practice finger coordination with a sai with lessons from an advanced black belt in Shotokan...

A sai should always be held straight, all of the way down the arm. Learn to hold a sai with the thumb under the first curve and three fingers folded over the top with lessons from an advanced...

Making a fist for punches in karate and other martial arts involves curling the fingers with the thumb outside the fist. Make a solid karate fist with a martial arts instructor in this free video...