Is Karate A Legitimate Olympic Sport?
Karate, a Japanese martial arts technique practiced for self-defense and sport since the 1800s, will be making its debut as an Olympic event this year. The 2020 Olympics are set to occur in Tokyo, Japan – home of Karate’s origins – which is why it was especially suited for inclusion last year. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen circumstances (read: virus), we didn’t get our chance at seeing it happen just yet. Still, many have been waiting years for Karate’s inclusion in the Olympics that they’re understandably disappointed. With their misfortune!
Karate is a sport that has been around for centuries. It had its Olympic debut in 1964 and quickly became popular due to its physicality and how many different styles there are from which you can choose. In 2020, though not so quick anymore after some unfortunate setbacks about the Olympics (scheduling), Karate will be making another appearance on an international stage – but this time at Tokyo’s 2020 Summer Games!
In addition to being physically demanding because of techniques such as punches or kicks used during matches, partaking in martial arts also requires mental fortitude given what sparring entails- seeking out points by executing moves precisely rather than through force alone.
Inclusion’s Struggle:
Karate was Jacques Delcourt’s life work and what he hoped would be his legacy. He had been the head of the French Karate Federation in 1961 but sadly never saw his goal realized with Karate being included in the Olympics by 2012 at age 83.
Karateka had been waiting for a year after the shortlist was announced in September of 2015. Finally, they received word and were ecstatic to know that their sport is an Olympic one now!
Karate will be the third martial art to compete in the Olympics. The world’s most popular sport, with a quarter of a billion practitioners worldwide and some 50 million registered karateka in Japan alone, is proud to take its place among Judo and Tae Kwon Do on one of three spots for Olympic competitions.
Karate was admitted into an Olympics event this year as well, which makes it just that more exciting!
An Appropriate Debut Location:
After centuries of cultural and political turmoil, Okinawa finally became its own country in 1879. The island’s culture is distinctly different from the rest of Japan due to it being historically ruled by a Ryukyu dynasty with strong trading links to China–a tumultuous relationship for both countries at one point or another over several decades.
Karate was created on this richly cultured land that has been invaded many times before but always prevails as an independent kingdom until today, thanks largely because they have maintained good commercial ties with their neighbor across the sea, China.
Karate is an art that was brought to the rest of Japan in the 1930s by Funakoshi Gichin. In a country with such violent history with China, Toudi (which means Chinese hand) wasn’t a fitting name. As a result, sport’s name became Karate which stands for empty-hand kung fu, and who will hold it at Nippon Budokan first time!.
The Two Karate Competition Divisions:
Karate is a Japanese martial art that has two competition categories, Kumite and Kata. Both of these competitions emphasize different aspects of Karate; however, the fun part for spectators is seeing how well competitors do in both events at once!
The Olympics will have two separate divisions: Kumite with six weight classes, including three men’s and women’s events. There are five other weight groups not included in this division; meanwhile, Kata focuses on individual figure movements through katas which require fluidity. For those who like more robust action, Kumite provides an intense sparring match to find sponsorships from companies such as Nike or Adidas.
In Kata, competitors take on offensive and defensive postures that are known as forms. While the moves may seem dull until you watch them in person, what these talented fighters do with their katas is nothing short of amazing- precision takes a whole new meaning when a competitor’s attack can be seen coming from an entire room away!
Future Karate athletes are anxiously waiting for their favorite sport to be included in the karate in olympics. The coronavirus outbreak is preventing this from happening, but it will happen eventually!
