There are many different styles and schools of karate. The technical aspects all derive from Chinese and/or Okinawan sources. However, what is now known as "karate-do" (meaning "the way of karate") is a Japanese martial art which formally came into existence in 1935. The Okinawan master, Funakoshi Gichin, is largely responsible for introducing this art to Japan. He was the first to publish a text on the art entitled Karate-do Kyohan. This represented the first use of the term Karate-do, meaning "empty hand", which Funakoshi chose for its meaning in Buddhist philosophy: "rendering oneself empty". His purpose was to provide a "way" for the perfection of character and to preserve the values and high moral ground of the samurai warrior class as in other Japanese martial arts. In 1955, Funakoshi founded the Japan Karate Association and instituted formal guidelines and methods of teaching this art. Funakoshi was also a schoolteacher and a poet who used the pen name "Shoto".

Funakoshi's formalized style thus became known as Shotokan, or "house of Shoto". Affiliates of the Japan Karate Association today represent the largest traditional karate organization worldwide with over one million practitioners. The rigorous and integrated physical and mental training that characterizes this art is very rewarding for anyone willing to make the effort. Training consists of kihon or basic training exercises, kata which are integrated series of defense and counter techniques against imaginary opponents, and kumite or sparring techniques.

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