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Karate is a way of life, a spiritual discipline with a code of honor. The word karate is derived from two characters (Kara - empty and Te - hand) which mean empty and hand; therefore, karate can be translated as the art of the empty hand.

Okinawa in Japan, is generally known to be the birth place of Karate. However, these roots were bought to Okinawa from China by the masters of Martial Arts. The history of this origination is sighted over a thousand years ago as early as the fifth century BC when Bodhidharma arrived in Shaolin-si (small forest temple), China from India and taught Zen Buddhism. The Bodhidharma's teachings designed a set of exercises to strengthen the mind, body and exercises which allegedly marked the beginning of the Shaolin style of temple boxing.

However, very little was known about the Karate origin, until it migrated to Okinawa. Initially martial arts were performed with swords as the other Japanese Swords Arts. Master Gichin Funakoshi, transformed the techniques of the old Japanese martial arts from weapons to hands and feet and combined all these forms as a means to self-defense. He transformed Karte-Jutsu to imply in daily life using both mind and body in perfect harmony with one another. In the words of Master Funakoshi, just as it is the clear mirror that reflects without distortion, or the quiet valley that echoes a sound, so must one who would study Karate-do purge himself of selfish and evil thoughts, for only with a clear mind and conscience can he [she] understand that which he [she] receives. His teachings taught to be humble from inside and gentle from outside.

In the year 1917, the first public demonstration of Karate was held by Gichin Funakoshi in Japan. After this, subsequent performances were held which inspired many Japanese and others to learn this art. Today there are four main styles of karate-do in Japan Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, Shotokan, and Wado-ryu.

Gichin Funakoshi combined Karate techniques with traditional Budo art which means the martial way. He inserted the essence of Budo in the heart of Karate. This was later transformed to Karate-Do.

Karate is not just a self-defense art, but an art to develop one's inner qualities, to bring perfection in character, self-confidence and determination to do something with hard work in order to achieve victory. It adds discipline in life. The philosophy of karate with moral and spiritual connotations adds perfection to one's life.