Karate is a form of martial art that has its origin in the islands of Japan called Ryukyu. At the time of its development, the developers combined different combat methods to come up with a specific system of fighting that was later called karate. Other versions of the art were also developed in China, UK, US, and other states around the same time. That is the origin of classification of styles in this art as either western or eastern.

Many facilities worldwide train this martial art to students. This is as a result of fast spreading of the discipline from its place of origin. To get professional classes in karate Portland Oregon offers the best locations one should go to. In Portland, karate is taught as a striking art by coaches. Major techniques taught include elbow strikes, kicking, open hand styles, punching, and knee strikes. Other variation teach vital point strikes, restraints, grappling, throws, and locks. The term karateka refers to practitioners of the discipline.

Martial art is engaged in by many people for various reasons. Some of the major reasons include gaining self defense skills, maintenance of proper mental, physical, and emotional health, fitness, hobby, and military reasons. Classes in this martial art reduce stress by a great level hence, healthy lifestyles can be attained through this discipline. Members of working class take evening classes to eliminate stress. This prepares, strengthens, and relaxes their minds and bodies for a new busy day.

In terms of self defense, karatekas are taught basic skills of defending oneself against attackers. The skills range from attacking, defending, and fleeing. A simple strike can give one enough time to flee away from an attacker or to seek for help from the police or other members of the public. The US military is currently training its soldiers in martial arts to allow them to defend themselves against unarmed but hostile members of public during riots.

Some people consider the game a hobby for passing their free time. Hobbyists take classes primarily as a way of spending free time and may not gain any major skills or advance in rank. People with weight issues also find the game important in shedding off a few pounds because of nature of exercises people participate in. The exercises focus on weight loss and gaining of endurance and flexibility.

The art is also considered a sport with participants taking part in Olympic games. When practiced as a sport, participants may use simple tools and weapons made of wood, stone, or metal. Normally the main emphasis of the sport is flexibility, agility, power, aerobic and anaerobic exercises. The exercises involved target to improve stamina, muscle coordination, strength, and speed. If two participants are involved, contact may be made fully, partially, or non at all.

Kata is a competitive sport under this martial art which is meant to show mastery of skills. Participants display their skills singly or in groups to viewers. Marks are scored basing on the level of perfection of a participant.

Ranks in this sport are marked by belts. The rank of karateka is shown by the color of the belt they hold. A black belt is held by the highest ranking karatekas. Black belters have advanced training and mastery of skills in the game.