The origins

Originating in China, karate developed on the island of Okinawa, before being exported throughout Japan and the rest of the world. The martial art only appeared in France in the 1950s thanks to Henry Plée, a national and European pioneer in the field.

A true discipline of self-control, the teaching of fighting techniques is based on defense through attack. A karateka never attacks first, but responds defensively before attacking back. This is an unarmed art of self-defense designed to disable the opponent. The person who teaches this art is called “Seinsei”.

In practice

Different styles of fighting exist, each with its own specificities. The most famous are Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Wado-Ryu and Shito-Ryu. Shotokan, which is the most widely practiced in the world, is considered one of the most powerful. Its learning is based on the teaching of three disciplines:

• Kihon: a set of attack and blocking techniques. Sensei demonstrates movements and students repeat them. The kihon allows beginners to learn the basics and initiates to perfect their technique.
• Kumite: the application of techniques taught in kihon, i.e. combat.
• Kata: a series of movements performed in a vacuum, simulating a real fight. Teaching kata enables you to approach gestures and postures, distance management and movement coordination in a more precise way than in combat. There are 26 main katas.

Specific equipment consisting of a karate-gi, belt andprotective accessories is required.

20 precepts and a moral code comprising 9 major virtues (honor, loyalty, sincerity, courage, kindness and benevolence, modesty and humility, righteousness, respect, self-control) govern the practice of karate. Far more than a combat sport, karate is an art of living. At Karate-Gi, we offer a wide range of equipment for the practice of Karate-do.