Karate Fighters

Karate is famous world over. In a bid to win contests, Karate allows the fighters to use strikes and kicks. For the various moves during their fights, Karate fighters only depend on successful use of their unarmed body.

They use techniques of blocking attacks from the challenger and counter-attacking methods by punching, kicking or striking. Along with these techniques, fighters also use grappling, throws, joint manipulations, locks and vital point striking to gain advantages over the challengers. There are three types of competition in the field of Karate. These are "sparring", "forms" and "weapons forms".Karate fighters, actually have to go-through a very hard physical training to achieve this. The training requires laborious physical and mental discipline. Through a rigorous training, Karate fighters develop a strong character and a feel of respect towards other challengers.

Otsuka Hironori used his prior experience of Shotokan Karate, Jujutsu, and Tai Sabaki to introduce his own way - Wado-Ryu Karate. Karate master Kenwa Mabuni developed Shito-Ryu Karate. Kenwa Mabuni studied both the styles of Naha-Te and Shuri-Te before developing Shito-Ryu Karate. Gichin Funakoshi created Shotokan karate and was credited for introducing it to Japan and the world .

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, a legend, got interested in Okinawa Karate (now known as Shotokan). He was well known for his techniques and skills, particularly his fancy footwork and head kicks. He traveled around the world and gave live demonstrations of martial arts.  He formed the "International karate organization kyokushinkaikan" organization which is popularly known as IKO or IKOK. This was done in order to organise the many different schools that were teaching the kyokushin style.

Joe Lewis, also known as "Muhammed Ali" of his sport, is a World heavyweight Karate champion from the USA. He's been inducted in around 13 different Halls of Fame. He has now turned his talents and experience into a rewaring teaching capacity. He is a professional instructor of Karate and also produced a number of instructional videos. He is most certainly well known in American Martial arts.

At a young age of 19, Andy Hug, impressed on people his impressive skills and technique. He is considered a superb European Karate fighter and was very popular amongst people. He is famous for both Kyokushin karate  as well as Seido karate and has won a number of awards in both sections. He received the title of 'Samurai' which denotes great honor, while in Japan. Cung Le is a famous sanshou fighter. Of course, mention must be made of Jet Li and Bruce Lee, names synonymous with the martial arts.

The World Karate Federation (WKF) is responsible for all types of Karate competitions. Over the years, the WKF developed common rules for the game, which is now practiced throughout the world. It is also the only Karate organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The WKF currently has more than ten million members. It regularly stages Junior and Senior Karate World Championships, which are held in every alternative year.