If you’re looking for a fun, physical, and interactive activity for your child, karate is an excellent option. This sport helps children learn how to defend themselves and teaches them how to be responsible, coordinated, and determined. It’s garnered quite the reputation over the years, as outlined by the exciting facts listed below.

A Guide to Karate Fun Facts

1. Its History Goes Back to the 19^th Century

The earliest mentions of karate as an art form and sport date back to the early 19th Century. It started in Okinawa and grew out of Chinese Kung Fu, particularly white crane style kung fu.  The result of that was an an art form called karate-do, formalized in the late 19^th century when Japan annexed Okinawa.

2. Colored Belts Measure Skill Levels Among Beginners

It’s become common knowledge that people who carry a black belt in karate are considered masters of their craft. However, black belts are advanced students continuing to work their way through the discipline.  Before they can reach that level, they need to pass through multiple colors that represent levels of basic level skill. Beginners start with a white belt and then progress to yellow, green, blue, brown and then black. Once at black belt, they can achieve 10 levels of advanced black belt.

3. There Are Different Styles

Many people believe that karate refers to one particular style of fighting. However, some sub-categories exist within that broad category. These include Shito-Ryu, Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Wado-Ryu.  Different goals and moves categorize each style, and they are based around different core techniques but all  promote honesty, determination, and honor in various ways. 

Now that you know a bit more about karate, all that’s left to do is sign your child up for a class. If you are looking for a caring, attentive, and rigorous karate program in West Chester, OH, consider Shito Kai Ohio. This school focuses on teaching students the foundations of the practice so that they can become skilled, knowledgeable practitioners. Visit them at shitokaiohio.com to learn more about their different class options, and call (513) 860-4386 to sign up today.