MODEL RELEASED. Karate. Karate practitioner standing with one arm raised. The arm is held above the head as a guard against overhead attacks. This position is practiced as part of a set sequence of moves known as a kata. Karate is a martial art originating from Okinawa, Japan. It is characterised by powerful kicks and hand techniques that can be used as forms of attack and defence. Experts of karate are awarded the rank of a black belt.