Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point strikes are taught in some styles.

The Karate belt system is used in martial arts training to show the progress that a student has made in his/her study. The student starts out at a low rank of belt (white) [1] and progresses through the ranks o make it to the top (black) to instruct students him/her self. They have to advance through the ranks (called kyu) to show their honor. To advance belts, they must show that they are ready by doing a belt examination. Belt examinations could involve performing sets of katas, fighting other members of the dojo, or performing other tests that show proficiency of the art.