(; ;
Okinawan pronunciation: ) is a
martial art developed on the
Ryukyu Islands in what is now
Okinawa,
Japan. It developed from the
indigenous martial arts of Ryukyu Islands (called , literally "hand";
tii in Okinawan) under the influence of
Chinese martial arts, particularly
Fujian White Crane. Karate is now predominantly a striking art using
punching,
kicking,
knee strikes,
elbow strikes and open hand techniques such as
knife-hands, spear-hands, and palm-heel strikes. Historically and in some modern styles
grappling, throws,
joint locks, restraints, and
vital point strikes are also taught. A karate practitioner is called a .
