Karate is a form of fighting that is thought to have orginated from China. The word “kara” means 'open', and the “te” translates to 'hand'. Practitioners of this form of martial arts make judicious use of footwork, as well as varius posture and punching techniques in tadem with specific placements of the feet.

It is a very ancient form of fighting that was established way before man was fully literate. The original methods focused mainly on a body's movements, different postures, and sequence of motion. Ancient practitioners focused on the physical aspect of the art, without concentrating on any distinct pattern or interpretation of this art form. Simple posturing forms involved blocking, punching, throwing an opponent, striking joints, or locking an opponent in a hold.

Karate developed throughout the Eastern culture with the use of various sorts of training equipment. In Japan, they used the “hojo undo” to help students and practitioners focus on specific fighting techniques. Other equipment, the chi-ishi, the nigiri game, and the makiwara, used weights or different grips in order to develop body strength.

Students of this fighting style are taught that the art is meant to build strength of both body and character, while developing agility of movement as well as optimal physical fitness. The principles of this form of martial arts are also geared to help students mature as persons and equip them to hurdle difficult situations in life that they may encounter. It likewise teaches students respect for elders and teachers, as well as giving value to community.

One may actually conclude that it is not merely a method of fighting but also a form of lifestyle, training students' bodies, as well as purifying their minds and molding their characters. Widely considered an art of developing the inner self, it encourages patience, calmness, and restraint in all things.

Students of Karate practice this form of martial arts for the duration of their lifetime, meeting the stringent standards for both physical and inner self. It is one of the very few fighting arts known to relieve stress and to actually improve a person's life by developing strong relationships built on strong bonds of trust. Students are also encouraged to interract with their community actively, while passing on this new lifestyle on in many different ways – through patience, unfailing courtesy, respect and fairness, as well as through harmony and balance, and a visible inner peace.

The founder of Shotokan Karate, Gichin Funakoshi, maintained that the aim of this form of martial arts is not only in achieving victory by defeating one's enemies, but by working hard to attain character perfection. This is precisely why the main principles of Karate-Do, literally translated to mean “the way of the empty hand”, not only incorporate self-defense, but also involve self-improvement through actively combining the mind, body and soul into a whole lifestyle.

This means that Karate is not only a means of combating an enemy using bare hands alone, it is likewise a method for achieving and propagating peace. Students and practitioners are taught to keep their minds open to every situation, using their open hand not only to defend themselves against their opponents, but also to reach out to their fellow human beings in fellowship.

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Not all inclusive, but  a quick look at different styles

Japan and Okinawa developed their own form of Karate, with some changes being made from one instructor to another. Some styles have even been developed in the United States.

Originally Karate got its start in China, in the 16th century but the development of Karate started when Okinawan travelers began visiting China and were so enthused with this ancient style of fighting, that they learned the techniques and once they became masters of the Chinese Martial Arts, and in the 20th century these travelers went back to Japan and began teaching Karate to the solders, using the styles that they had learned and also made some changes of their own.

Today there are hundreds of different types all throughout the world. Karate is not just restricted to Oriental fighting techniques, in France, there is a form called, Savate, this style was first used in Marseille, and is a method of using kicks. Savate uses the feet and legs for both striking and blocking. It has become a form of today’s kickboxing.

Krav Maga is a method of self-defense that was developed in Israel, and practiced by the entire Israeli Army; it has become quite popular in the United States.

1,000 years ago, India developed a form of Karate, called Pentjak Silat, which used forms of martial arts mixed with some mystic powers, magic, and healing. Pentjak Silat has now spread the Indonesian Islands.

Sambo is an ancient Russian self-defense art. It is used with the Russian Elite Special Forces, and consists of many striking, kicking and defense.

Sumo dates back to the 8th century and originally was held as ceremonies in the Imperial Court. It used the techniques of both boxing and wrestling. The competitors usually weight 100’s of pounds (kg), but as time passed throughout the centuries, it has become a very popular sport in Japan.

Today many styles of Karate have adapted the belt system as a means of accomplishments for their students; however, the belt color system varies from school to school. The ranks have always started at 10 (being a white belt beginner), and ended at 1, and the Black Belts started at rank 1 and went to 10. Some schools now start their students from rank 10, which is considered a white belt beginner, and go to rank one, which enables the students to reach an extra grade. The grading of the belt colors starts at white, the beginner, and develops to yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black.

I hope this study of the different styles of Karate have helped people understand that there are many forms of Karate, and the ones that have been mentioned are not even the deadliest ones.