Just like there are many different brands of cars, there are many different styles of Karate. karate originated in Okinawa. It was created from both fighting techniques that existed in Okinawa and was greatly influenced by Chinese martial arts styles. The Okinawans introduced Karate to the Japanese. today there are about 50 style of Karate that are recognized as legitimate styles. Some styles are Okinawan, Some are Japanese. Some are practiced in both Okinawa and Japan. It is way to complicated to give you a complete breakdown on the differences between styles. BUT, there is one thing that tends to define one characteristic of all styles of Karate. That is the stances. Okinawan styles tend to use upright stances (the feet are not very far apart). Japanese styles tend to use deeper stances (where the feet are farther apart causing the stance to lower your body).
All styles of Karate are thought of today as being mainly or all striking and kicking arts. However, that is totally wrong. Karate in the early 1900's was as much joint locks, throws and grappling as it was striking and kicking. Some schools teach all of it still. Unfortunately many schools teach very little of the styles favoring the striking and kicking.
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Many other styles are similarly fragmented.
no they are not, they have different hip motions, stance lengths, the techniques very from one to the next, and different kata, which utilizes different tactics and strategies.
Are all karate martial arts the same. If not explain.