Karate can trace its roots to the Chinese Shao Lin martial arts. The Shao Lin style migrated to Okinawa, Japan, where the authorities forbade the use of weapons. The Okinawan style of "empty-hand" fighting and self-defense soon arose, combining Shao Lin with indigenous fighting techniques. This martial art was called karate in recognition of its Chinese origin.

Karate includes two categories in Asian Games: Kata and Kumite. The kata is personal demonstration of basic techniques, and kumite is the appliance of the techniques to combat with a sparring partner.

Karate is a good form of physical conditioning, which helps develop speed and endurance as well as balance, co-ordination, and flexibility.

Karate made its Asian Games debut in Hiroshima Asian Games, 1994.

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