Karate quite simply,  is a method of fighting involving blocks,  throws,  joint manipulations,  and strikes and can be divided in three parts:  kihon (basic), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).

The philosophy of karate is that mind and body should become one.  It's like a circle of intention.  To make the physical techniques expressions of our mind's intention while improving the mind's focus by understanding the essence of the physical techniques.  Through this growth we learn to make decisive movements and are able to eliminate weakness.

Shotokan Karate founder Gichin Funakoshi maintains that by being meticulous in the practice of karate we are actually fine-tuning our own spirits (mentally and physically). 

The word karate is a combination of two Japanese characters….kara (empty) and te (hand)  with the character do at the end which means way.  This means that karate is a total "way" of life.  Someone who studies and trains in karate-do strives to be a strong warrior but happy and peaceful in soul as well while keeping in mind that the true opponent is really oneself.

Karate originates from Okinawa (a Japanese island) and it incorporates the fighting methods of that (indigenous) region in addition to martials arts from southern China.

You can tell Karate from other forms of martial arts due to the distinct use of hips and stances.  This technique is practiced in order to increase striking power.  The other two differences are the use of pre-arranged sets of techniques and the focus on breathing to generate power.

There are many types of karate styles and forms:

Goju-ryu Karate - is one of the four original Okinawan styles of karate founded by Chojun Miyagi

Shotokan Karate - is also one of the four original Okinawan styles and is characterized by it's long and deep stances with very little circular movements. In the aforementioned Karate style (Goju-ryu), supplementary training and body conditioning is used to compliment the martial arts training which is contrary to Shotokan Karate.

Wado-ryu Karate - was developed by Otsuka Hironori and is also one of the four original Okinawan styles.  Wado-ryu Karate is characterized by the use of Tai Sabaki self-defense techniques and this form of Karate also does not practice body conditioning.

Shito-ryu Karate - was developed by Kenwa Mabuni and is a combination of the kata techniques of Goju-ryu Karate and Shuri-Te Karate.  In this style of Karate, the use of Okinawan weapons are also taught.

Kenpo Karate - is a very popular form of Karate in the US.  This style places emphasis on the equal use of hands and feet but is still similar to other Okinawan fighting styles.  A distinct characteristic difference from Kenpo Karate and other forms is the gis (uniform).  Instead of the white gis,  Kenpo uses a black gis for higher grades sometimes mixing a black top with white pants or vice versa.

When you get right down to it, there are so many forms of martial arts that if you researched all of them, you may never start studying any of them at all.  It is for that reason that perhaps you should consider looking into what is available in your area (what would be convenient for you and would fit into your daily schedule), register for classes, start studying and then later at your leisure, if you at that point think it's necessary, look for another style of martial arts.

Never stay in a place in your life, where you can't move up.  Set your sights on something and go get it…it's there for you…..just take it!!