OKKJ, Part 1: Karate. Chapter 1 – Definition and Categories of Karate. 2. The Classification of Karate. (3) Health karate (kenkō karate).

Translated from: Takamiyagi Shigeru, in: Okinawa Karate Kobudō Jiten, 2008, p. 84.

As mentioned earlier, Okinawan karate has historically been proud about its traditional traits based on the three methods of moral practice, self-defense, self-defense, and physical education.  This tradition has changed in recent years.

Health karate became noticeable as a method of physical education and preservation of health. It literally keeps people healthy through karate, aims to promote health, and keep mind and body young. Both long life and health mutual characteristic qualities that never ceased to fascinate people.

Recently, middle-aged and elderly people regardless of gender are increasing in Okinawan karate dōjō. Karate is an exercise that trains the whole body from head to toe. Middle-aged and elderly people started hitting the dōjō gates in search of it. Health awareness is growing. Unlike young people, they [the elderly] choose karate as a means of promoting health, eliminating social stress, and doing karate to enjoy the mood. In this way, we think of it as having a vibrant way of life. This mental and physical rejuvenation and invigoration is what people aspiring to health karate seek. The yield rate of middle-aged and elderly people who personally experience its “perfect sustainment of strength” is extremely high.

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