Karate is a martial art.
There are two features in particular that distinguish martial arts from other physical activities.
- They are highly disciplined, with strict traditions of etiquette;
- They involve fighting, and the use of techniques that are capable of causing severe injury or death.
These two features make it essential for a responsibly run karate association to have clear rules setting out how its members are to train in karate, including among other matters requirements as to etiquette, dress, safety, and hygiene, and guidance on the use of technique in practice – something that no karate-ka would ever wish to do if it could be avoided.
That is the purpose of these rules.
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