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A Brief History of Karate Karate is an art and sport that has been in existence for centuries. There are many different styles and traditions depending on the country from which it originates. Many people in the United States believe all forms of karate come from Japan and fail to realize that different styles are from different places. Each style also has it?s own history and traditions but most agree that modern karate styles began in the same place with the teachings of a Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma traveled from India to China in the sixth century to help spread Buddhism. It is believed that he was so disturbed by the unhealthy appearance of the monks that he began teaching them physical exercises. This system of calisthenics is often referred to as Shoalin ch?uan fa. Bodhidharma?s goal was to develop mental vitality, concentration and physical fitness. These exercises were later developed into an art of unarmed self-defense called karate