A big year for karate as the sport will make its debut at the Tokyo Olympics
CARY, N.C. — Martial arts practitioners around the globe have an extra reason to celebrate the Olympic games this summer. After a year unlike any other, the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics will finally begin July 23rd, 2021, and for the first time ever, the popular sport of Karate will be in the competition.
Even though it is new to the Olympics, Karate is centuries old and is arguably as much about the art as it is the sport. Originating in Okinawa around the 15th century, Karate spread to mainland Japan and then worldwide after WW2. It is recognized as a striking, kicking and punching combative art.
Two Categories of Competition
“Karateka” (karate practitioners) compete in the games with two events: “Kata” (forms) and “Kumite” (sparring.) Reflecting the art side of Karate, Kata is a set of predetermined moves that demonstrate both offensive and defensive techniques performed solo. Katas are judged based on precision, balance, power, speed, and the proper understanding of the techniques. It should look like a fight with deadly intent but be performed with flowing grace and perfection.
Kumite is between two fighters attempting to land attacking kicks and punches to scoring areas of their opponent’s body. Matches are won by having the most points or by gaining 8 points on your opponent. These thrilling battles are lightning-fast and involve an exhilarating display of skill.
Top Team USA Athletes to Watch
Kata: Sakura Kokumai from Los Angeles, California, has been training since she was six years old. Now the number 1 ranked female competitor in the US, and 5th in the world, she is known for her intensity, blink, and you’ll miss it speed and steely focus. Her advice to young athletes: “Never never NEVER give up. There will be times where you just want to give up, but hard work always pays off. Just stay focused, surround yourself with good people, and the result will naturally come to you.”
Kumite: Tom Scott from Plano, Texas. Tom started Karate at the age of nine and won just about every title in the sport. He was ranked the number 1 competitor in the world in 2015 and 2019. When he is not training, he’s out in the community advocating for the many benefits of Karate. “We want to spread awareness,” Tom said. “We have an amazing sport that also carries the benefits of the Karate lifestyle. Self-discipline is inherent; respect is a part of it. You can’t escape it. It’s a wonderful combination of sport and lifestyle.”
The sport of Karate has a strong future with role models like Sakura and Tom. While they began their journey young, you are never too old to start learning Karate. Most dojos will begin children as young as three years old and accept adult students at any age. For more information about karate schools and training programs near you, email [email protected].
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