Originating from a Japanese word meaning 'empty hand', karate is one of a number of oriental systems of unarmed combat and has much in common with ju-jitsu and kung-fu. It is a fascinating and extremely effective system of unarmed fighting, and was first practiced in Okinawa around the early part of the 17th century and it became popular in Japan about 60 years ago. After World War II American servicemen stationed in Japan became interested in karate and the sport gradually spread to the English-speaking world.

The Japanese karate uniform known as the "gi" means pajamas in Chinese.

A karate gi is similar in many ways to the judo gi as they share a common origin, however the material and cut of the uniform is generally much lighter and looser fitting.

A cheap karate uniform is often cut from a light fabric similar to a thin shirt. These are easily ripped.

Those cut from a light canvas style cloth tend to be of a longer lasting quality and will stand up to considerable abuse.

The more skilled practitioners tend prefer a heavier more durable fabric, such as 12 or 14 ounce cotton canvas. Still not as thick as the judo gi due to the difference between karate and judo. Karate emphasizes striking and kicking whereas Judo leans towards grappling and throwing, so therefore needs a strong fabric.

Most karate uniforms are sold as a set of top (karate uniform jacket) and bottom (karate uniform pants) and come with a generic white belt (obi). They come in standard sizes but sometimes, depending on the size of the person and their build, you might have to buy the tops and bottoms separately.

A cheap karate uniform won't have the quality craftsmanship, wide hems and double inseam to prevent rips in the pants.

Tournament Japanese karate uniform are a little bit shorter than the traditional cut outfit. Some prefer it as it has a slight advantage of being harder to grab.

Grades are awarded, starting with the Kyu (Step) grades, of which there are eight, the lowest being eighth Kyu and the highest first Kyu. After this, Dan (Degree) grades are awarded, of which there are 10, the lowest being first Dan and the highest tenth Dan. All Dan grade holders wear a black belt with their karate uniform. To reach first Dan grade in Japan requires three to four years of training.

In sparring (kumite) bouts, which last only three minutes, blows and kicks are stopped several centimeters from the opponent's body. This is essential, since many of the techniques are deadly when used in genuine combat.

The usual duration of a karate contest is 5 to 15 minutes, which terminates when one point, which is awarded for a powerful blow, is scored. All blows, however, must stop just short of the mark.

As the emphasis is on style and coordination, just as much stress is placed on kata, a series of formal movements which demonstrate an individual's skill. Levels of ability are decided by judges, who award colored belts. The highest of these, the black belt, is further divided into Dans, or degrees of mastery.

All that is worn is a white belted costume of light cloth. This is the traditional Japanese karate uniform known as the 'gi'. The hands and feet are kept bare.

Its basis is said to be kempo (Chinese boxing). Its present highly developed state has been brought about in Japan, where it was introduced from Okinawa at the beginning of the 20th century.

Unlike the Judo player, who specializes in the techniques of throwing, immobilization on the ground, strangulation and elbow-joint locking, or the Aikido player, who concentrates on wrist, elbow and shoulder-joint twisting and locking techniques, the karate player is essentially a specialist in kicking and punching techniques.

The main objective of karate is to bring all the strength and concentration of the body into one place at one time. The most spectacular example is the blow with the edge of the hand which can splinter thick boards or bricks.

Funakoshi Gijin (1869-1957), who went to Japan in 1917, is now regarded there as the father of Japanese karate.

There are numerous styles of karate, the chief one being shotokan, which was founded by Gijin. Others include go-ju-ryu (hard soft), wadoiyu (way of peace), shukukai (way for all) and kyokushinkai (peak of truth). All have similar striking techniques but the execution of the moves and the emphasis in training varies in the individual schools.