Text Box: Karate The word karate literally means "the art of empty hands." It is the most widely practiced of all the martial arts. Karate is a sport and a means of self-defense that uses the body as a weapon in blocking, kicking, and striking. Karate originated in Okinawa many centuries ago, where it was based on combat techniques imported from China. It was not called karate until it was introduced into Japan early in the 20th century by Gichin Funakoshi. It was he who gave the art its present name in 1935 to differentiate it from Okinawan types that used weapons. In Japan and in many parts of the world students of the martial arts are ranked according to their progress. There are ten ranks and a colored belt is worn by the student to signify his standing. The darker the color, the higher the rank. The black belt, or degree, represents the highest attainment. The building, in which karate is taught is called a dojo. The martial arts teacher, or sensei, is in charge of the dojo. Karate has strict rules of etiquette. Students entering or leaving the training room, or dojo, execute a standing bow, and they perform a kneeling bow in front of the teacher. Students wear white uniforms made up of a jacket and pants. Beginners wear the white belt. Training is done according to grades, and each student must show proficiency in his grade before passing to the next rank.