Splinter

Because karate is easy. It's got simple strikes, simple form, and because it's so easy to learn, many people train for it. They just want to feel more secure, when in real life, they wouldn't know a punch from a kick.

Bishop

I think karate is popular only because of its availability. It's all over the place, so why not? Many parents enroll their kids in it just so that they know about it, but those who are really focused in martial arts, or study it, will realize that you can't get the correct training you need by going to an American dojo.

Link

Exactly. Training karate is more about exercise in my opinion as apposed to self defense.

capitalist_junkie

I acutally began my martial arts training with karate, and had an amazing instructor who really challenged me. Although I trained in dance for a number of years, karate is completely unlike dance, and I had to teach my body to train in a whole new way. However, I learned a great deal and improved steadily. While I recognize that not all of it is practical, I did learn some very good techniques that are always applicable.

Babalunatic

You hit the nail on the head right there. Much like BJJ is much more popular today because of MMA so more and more people are training in JJ.

TheAxeMurderer

i dont take it but my gym teaches enshin-karate. they have a great instructor but it isn't a art that i would want to take. most students their are hicks and i can't work with hicks.

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Diego lost to Alessio and Karo

Bilso-De-Janero

I trained in 2 different disciplines of Karate for years (amongst other Martial Arts), both are very different.

My point is, just like, for example 'Kung Fu', there are hundreds of different disciplines, and i beleive there is a discipline to suit everyone if you looked hard enough.

Although i agree to a certain extent that Mr Myagi did not put it on the map, i think it was already there. He just made the font bold.

Kennon

Actually, in the US TKD is popular with MMA closing in.