Real Dictionary

karate
uncountable noun: Karate is a Japanese sport or way of fighting in which people fight using their hands, elbows, feet, and legs.

karate in American English
a Japanese system of self-defense characterized chiefly by sharp, quick blows delivered with the hands and feet
noun: a method developed in Japan of defending oneself without the use of weapons by striking sensitive areas on an attacker's body with the hands, elbows, knees, or feet

karate in British English
noun: a traditional Japanese system of unarmed combat, employing smashes, chops, kicks, etc, made with the hands, feet, elbows, or legs