The traditional Japanese martial art of karate places a strong emphasis on mental concentration, physical health, and self-discipline. It comes from Okinawa, Japan, and uses open-hand, hitting, blocking, and kicking tactics to improve offense and defense. "Karate" means "empty hand," which reflects the art's core tenet of using the body as the main weapon. Beyond just physical skills, karate fosters virtues like integrity, perseverance, humility, and respect. Karatekas, or practitioners, go through a hierarchy of grades symbolized by colored belts, with black signifying mastery and white signifying beginners. In addition to being a sport, karate is a way of life that cultivates inner tranquility and teaches students how to maintain composure under duress.