What is Karate-Do?

Karate can be briefly defined as the art of unarmed self-defense. It consists of dynamic attack and block techniques that effectively utilize the body as a whole. The suffix "do" meaning "way" indicates that Karate is more than just a martial art; it is a way of life.

Introduced to Japan by Gichin Funakoshi from Okinawa in 1922, the history of Karate-Do, while dating back hundreds of years to China and India, took its closest form to the present in Okinawa. Funakoshi is the founder of modern Karate and the creator of the Shotokan style. Karate-Do was taught in primary schools in Japan, practiced in universities, and sports clubs. It spread worldwide after World War II. Today, Karate-Do is practiced both as a martial art and a sport.

Karate-Do at METU

The METU Karate-Do Dojo was established in 1984. Its purpose is to introduce, promote, and teach Karate-Do within our university, train members who understand and practice Karate-Do, and contribute to the development of Karate-Do in Turkey and the world.

The Dojo offers courses within our university and supports its members' participation in domestic and international activities. Additionally, it contributes to the promotion of Karate-Do by organizing various demonstrations both within and outside our university.

Foundations of Karate-Do: Kihon-Kata-Kumite

Karate Do practice consists of three parts: (1) "Kihon," which means basics. It includes basic blocks, punches, and kicks. (2) "Kata," which means form. It consists of a series of blocks and attacks against imaginary opponents. (3) "Kumite," which means sparring with real opponents face-to-face.

1 – Kihon

Kihon represents the basic techniques in Karate-do, and the integrity of each movement is essential. For example, when throwing a 'front punch,' the entire body, including the legs, hips, torso, and arms, must move simultaneously. Throughout the movement, only the muscles that support and move the body should be tense, while the others should be relaxed. Only at the moment of focus (Kime), i.e., the end point of the movement, should the muscles of the arm and leg delivering the strike be tense. At the moment of striking, full focus, both physically and mentally, should be entirely on the technique.

2 – Kata

Kata consists of various combinations of blocks and attacks and typically lasts one or two minutes. Each kata is repeated thousands of times until consciousness is lost, thereby achieving what is known as "moving meditation" or "dynamic Zen" in Karate. There are many kata, but an individual can fully understand only one or two throughout their lifetime.

3 – Kumite

Kumite, or sparring with a real opponent, is a kind of silent communication that requires both sides to overcome fear. Thus, the parties become sensitive to even the slightest movements of the other. Kumite training, which begins with mutually agreed basic movements, progresses to semi-free and full-free exercises as the belts advance.

About the Demonstration

We plan to present demonstrations to introduce Karate-Do within the scope of ODTÜ Youth Games. In addition to demonstrations of the fundamentals of Karate-Do, such as Kihon, Kata, and Kumite, we aim to provide examples from contemporary competitions.

For more detailed information:

Website: kdo.odtu.edu.tr
Instagram: instagram.com/odtukarate
Email: odtukarate@gmail.com