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Karate, meaning empty hand ( in Japanese), is a traditional form of Martial Art originating in Okinawa.

Karate is different from other Martial Arts in a couple of specific ways. First, it is a "hard style" form of Martial Art. "Hard Style" does not mean that it is harder or easier to learn or master. It means that it is a very dynamic and static in its form and movement.  In contrast, a "Soft Style" is very continuous and flowing such as the case in Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and Aikido. 

Shotokan has nine colored belts - white, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, three levels of brown- before black. It is one of the older, more basic styles. In Shotokan, if  you do it right, you should be able to defend yourself with one strike.

Second, specifically in Shotokan Karate, long low stances are used during kata and basic development to achieve power, speed, and strength.

Karate itself is a Martial Art which developed in history to protect and preserve life.  It is an Art in which any person, young or old, may find success through the development of their mind , body, and spirit.

Master Gichin Funakoshi's 20 Principles of Karate

1. In Karate, start with a bow and finish with a bow.
2. There is no first attack in Karate.
3. Karate is a great assistance to justice.
4. Know yourself first and then others.
5. Spirit first: techniques second.
6. Be ready to release your mind.
7. Accidents come out of idleness.
8. Do not think that you can learn Karate only in the Dojo.
9. It will take your entire life to learn Karate.
10. Karate-ise everything.
11. Karate is just like hot water. If you do not give heat constantly, it will again become cold water.
12. Do not think you have to win. Think, rather, that you do not have to lose.
13. Victory depends on your ability to tell vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
14. Move according to your opponent.
15. Consider your opponent's hands and legs as you would sharp swords.
16. As soon as you leave home for work, think that millions of opponents are waiting for you.
17. Low stance for beginners; natural stance for advanced students.
18. Practising a Kata is one thing and engaging in a real fight is another.
19. Do not forget:

• light and heavy application of power,
• expansion and contraction of the body,                         
• slowness and speed of techniques.                             

20. Devise at all times.