Karate in Nigeria

Karate in Nigeria

The art of the empty hand

Karate is a combat sport using the hands and feet to deliver and block blows. It is an art of self-defence that originated in Okinawa, Japan, in which people fight using their arms, legs, hands, and feet and which was incorporated in the Nigeria sports after the federation was formed.

The word karate is made up of two Japanese characters (Kara meaning empty and Te meaning hand) which imply empty hand. It is one of the best forms of martial arts practised in the world today because it focuses on character, respect and determination, it is also regarded as a fighting technique used to conquer oneself using punching and kicking as a major strike.

Karate is not violence, but self-discipline and can be won through hard training and one’s creative effort. A person who practices karate is called a Karateka. It is a popular martial art recognized in Nigeria and all over the world with its karate schools for interested individuals and those that want basic training of the art. Karate training enforces perseverance, virtue and fearlessness. It requires physical contact between players.

The sport was shortlisted in 2015 for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where it made its Olympic debut in 2021. According to the World Karate Federation, there are about 100 million practitioners around the globe.

How karate is trained

Kihon, Kata and Kumite

The modern karate was created using the traditional karate as its foundation and its training is summed into three categories such as The Kihon, Kata and Kumite.

Kihon is the basics principles of the art which includes postures, (Tsuki) punching, (keri) kicking, (uchi) striking and blocks. It is the combination of techniques by a karate practitioner.

Kata is the logical sequence of body movements representing different offensive and defensive postures which base on idealized combat methods. This method, when used in a demonstration with an opponent, is known as Bunkai. It shows how every movement and posture. A karate practitioner must perform a competent demonstration of Kata in order to attain a formal rank.

Kumite, also known as sparring, means the meeting of hands. It is a major self-defence training in karate. Kumite comprises two types which are the full contact and the light or semi contact.

Kumite in some international competition organized by the World Karate Federation is mainly arranged with light contact or semi contact Kumite and points are given out depending on the requirements while in full contact karate Kumite, points are given depending on the results of the outcome.

Karate sport is not mostly used in mixed martial arts but has been a major art for some MMA practitioners practising its various styles.

Benefits of karate

Karate is more than just a sport as it has a lot to do with our physical characteristics and wellbeing, some of its benefits include;

• Karate is a self-defence technique against common attacks.
• It keeps you focused and makes you think ahead.
• Karate is a form of martial arts that help you train your body and mind.
• It pushes you to move out, confront and conquer your fears.
• It enlightens and encourages individual along life’s journey.
• It builds up character in order to achieve your potential.
• It is a better way of building self-confidence.
• Karate increases your speed accuracy and balance.
• Karate teaches you to be inwardly humble and outwardly gentle because only by staying humble that one can be open to the wisdom of Karate.
• It aids in general body fitness.
• The Sports of karate helps in stress management and is an aerobic exercise that makes the body flexible and agile.
• Karate gives you the courage to fight your opponent when faced with physical confrontation.

Explore more on SitesNG

• Contact Nigerian Karate
• History of Karate in Nigeria
• Shotokan Karate in Nigeria
• All sports in Nigeria
• Nigerian athletes
• Nigerian sports statistics