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After long battle, karate gets long-awaited chance on Olympic stage

19 Comments
By Chang-Ran Kim

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19 Comments
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Isn't Karate from China?

No it's from Okinawa.

which is more or less halfway between China and Japan.

Huh? What world map are you looking at?

8 ( +8 / -0 )

About time. Too late for Daniel-san and Mr. Miyagi though.....

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Isn't Karate from China?

Neither China nor Japan but Okinawa, the home of many martial arts thoughout the region

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Gichin Funakoshi will turn in his grave if he hears that!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Course, Japan would rather not have to credit China for anything, so it’s made out to be a purely Japanese style for purposes of PR.

This really isn’t true. The original kanji used for karate actually translate as “Chinese hand” and were later changed to those meaning “empty hand”. The original kanji are explained ad nauseam in most texts. Several Kata names are also Chinese.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Given that supporters, assuming there are any, will not be allowed to cheer or shout loudly, does that mean that karate competitors (especially in the sparring category) will not be allowed to use kiai (the shout used to focus power)? Or will they fight masked? After the debacle with the Ugandan team, I imagine there won’t be a great deal of trust as to who is and is not positive, no matter how often they are tested.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Combination of Boxing and Judo suits me. Karate I don't know well, is it useful on the streets?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Neither China nor Japan but Okinawa, the home of many martial arts thoughout the region

Nothing personal, since folks are getting specific, it isnt from "Okinawa" really. It's from the Ryukyu's! lol!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

With just four months to go until karate's debut at the Games, Japan Karatedo Federation (JKF) technical director Masao Kagawa was forced to resign when karateka Ayumi Uekusa blew the whistle - through the Olympics hot-line - on his abuses and unsanctioned use of a bamboo stick during training that caused her a serious eye injury.

A come back after such a scandal, and in games so unpopular and troubled? the sport really deserves better.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Karate for defense only.

But if done right, no can defense!

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Karate for defense only. 

But if done right, no can defense!

Really? Any sniper can take out a Karateka, long before he even has fastened the belt, without even knowing or seeing his opponent, 2 kilometers distanced. lol

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

WHO CARES? There are bigger issues to deal with which can put our lives at risk if left unchecked.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Thomas GoodtimeToday  01:23 pm JST

Isn't Karate from China?

The roots of it are from Okinawa, which is more or less halfway between China and Japan. Martial arts historians have written a lot on the connection and influences. Course, Japan would rather not have to credit China for anything, so it’s made out to be a purely Japanese style for purposes of PR.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

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