The name of the martial art karate translates as '"empty hand." It signifies a form of self-defense that makes no use of weapons, only bare hands. The name also has spiritual meaning. Karate master Gichin Funakoshi says the ultimate aim of the art is for students to empty their hands, hearts, and minds of material desires, thereby reducing the prospect for conflict in the world.
— Philip Toshio Sudo, Zen 24/7