Karate-do is an empty-handed fighting art that has been developed through long years of history and tradition. Its ultimate goal lies not in winning or losing, but in fostering spiritual and physical strength through serious practice, and in trying to achieve an overall balance as individuals. Students of Karate learn punching, blocking and kicking techniques along with respect and control. Benefits such as feeling fitter, being more flexible, and increasing self-confidence. Gichin Funakoshi was born in 1868 - the year of the Meiji Restoration - in the capital of Okinawa shuri. A weak child, Funakoshi trained in karate as an exercise to improve his general health and was the only student (at that time) of Yasutsune Azato, a master of the Shorin-ryu school of Karate. By the time he had reached his twentieth birthday Funakoshi had a firm knowledge and experience of the Okinawan karate.
