Karate is a type of martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands, developed from indigenous fighting methods called "te" (手, literally "hand") and Chinese kung fu. A karate practitioner is called a "karateka". In addition, a karateka usually gives a specific greeting ("お、おす" in Japanese, "Hai-ya" in English).
Karate is primarily a striking art which uses punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands and ridge-hands. Grappling, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point strikes are taught in some styles. Karate can be practiced as budo (self-development), as a sport, as a combat sport, or as self-defense training; Traditional karate places emphasis on budo. Modern Japanese style training emphasizes the psychological elements incorporated into a proper kokoro (attitude) such as perseverance, fearlessness, virtue, and leadership skills. Sport karate places emphasis on exercise and competition. The use of weapons are a important training activity in some styles.