Karate literally means "open hand" which refers to the physical means of hand movement and physical characteristics of the hand; which, when combined together represent human and/or humane actions that parallel laws of physics. That is to say, that, karate movement should be natural movement - just as in walking, for example. Humane actions such as manners, community service and other dignified character traits reminiscent of American "gentlemen" as represented at the turn of the 1900's were typical of the old ways of karate.
Karate is sometimes misinterpreted as empty hand. But this suggests that there is no mass or substance to the hand. It also suggests that there is no movement of the hand.
Root versions of karate indicate a basic interpretation as being "hand of China".
Karate had some influence of Chinese martial art, but yet its martial art and techniques appear to be unique. Since karate originated in Okinawa, it was sometimes referred to as Okinawa-te (Okinawan Karate).
Later after the Meiji Restoration, Okinawa was under the sovereignty of Japan. The literal translation of karate was changed from "Chinese hand" to "open hand". This apparently
was done for political reasons.
One might ask why the definition of karate requires so much explanation. The reason may be because the development of karate is a lifetime process requiring continual refinement of skills and techniques.
The best age to study karate physically is age 13 for men. The best mental age depends upon the maturity, time available for training, and discipline of the student.
A student is defined as one who is willing to follow the teachings of a doctrine, principal, instruction, and/or concept. This means that a teacher can also be a student. A teacher does not necessarily have to have great karate skills** to teach, but a teacher needs to have good ethics and coaching skills. This follows the moral and ethical standards of karate.
A teacher who has skills and abilities becomes a teacher and technician, which allows for broader understanding of the art and allows for more detailed instruction. A good or bad student depends on their commitment to train both in the dojo and at home. Training can occur mentally or physically, as long as the goal of perseverance, sincerity and misuse of character are kept in check.
Additionally, karate is a word normally read in Japanese kanji, which is an older form of handwriting, which allowed for those who were knowledgeable of a Chinese language to read most of kanji script. The word Ryukyu is an older name for Okinawa. When pronouced in one of the Chinese dialects, it sounds similar to "Loochoo" or "LooChow". Ryukyu sounds like "Dyookyoo". Karate should be pronounced kahrah-tay or koo-tay.
Sometimes the word "kempo" is used. Kempo is another synonym for karate. Our style of RyuTe is a copywrited name for Ryukyuan hand or hand of Okinawa. The term Ryu-Te is trademarked usage of the style originated by Taika Seiyu Oyata. The root or basic version of Ryu Te was called Ryukyu Kempo. Ryukyu Kempo was a named used by Taika Oyata because karate came from ancient Ryukyu (hence ancient Okinawa). Mr. Oyata was the first to use the style name Ryukyu Kempo in the United States.
Later at the end of the 20th century, the name of Ryukyu Kempo was changed to Ryu-Te to effect a change in the more advanced or the "true" versions of Classical Okinawan Karate. This was done when there were a number of karate instructors who were misrepresenting the nature of Taika Oyata's art. Therefore the ones who claim to be teaching Ryukyu Kempo may be teaching a basic version of what was taught before 1985.
Therefore to make sure you are getting the true nature of the art of karate, study with the authorized Ryu Te organization and not a copy.
For more information on karate, refer to Taika Oyata's book Ryu-Te no Michi, The Way of Ryu Kyu Hands (Classical Okinawan Karate). Copywritten 1998, Oyata Enterprises.
** If one cannot perform the basic foundation, it doesn't mean it can't be taught. However once a strong foundation is established, refinements and accoutrements can be added later (advanced training). It is assumed that the reader understands you have to crawl before walking or running.