Karate isn't merely about learning how to fight your way out of a sticky situation; it is also about other physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

Because this Japanese martial art is such a great self-defense technique, lively physical exercise, and enjoyable hobby, it's not surprising that many want to give it a go.

You no longer have to go to a martial arts dojo to learn karate; it's possible to simply download an app or two and learn from the comfort of your own home.

1. Karate Training

Karate Training is an app that teaches you all the official karate strikes, various punches, hand and elbow moves, and kicks.

For beginners, it's suggested that you get going with moves that include jabs, hooks, and straight punches. Once you move on to the more advanced moves, you learn techniques like double fist punches and tornado kicks. It's best to always start with a warm-up to prepare your muscles and then master all the beginner moves before you progress.

Detailed instructions are available on the app for each movement and include a couple of instructional videos. Please note that to unlock them all, you need to pay a small fee.

Download: Karate Training for Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

2. Shotokan Karate

Download the Shotokan Karate app to learn everything you need to know about karate, from the many techniques and combinations to kata (form) and even workout routines. In karate, blocking is just as important as kicking and striking. That's why Shotokan Karate features several handy blocking techniques to absorb any damage from your opponent.

This app is great for learning karate at home because it includes demonstration videos. Unfortunately, like the previous app, you need to pay a small price to unlock and view certain videos.

Download: Shotokan Karate for Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

3. Shaolin Kung Fu

Join kung fu master Dr. Yang as he teaches you the fundamentals of kung fu. The Shaolin Kung Fu app features three hours of instructional videos, all of which are in English and Chinese.

To unlock all the videos, you have to pay a once-off fee; however, it's best to do so as it's incredibly cheap. Once you make the payment, you'll gain access to high-quality lessons for both karate beginners and experts.

There are various other mobile apps created by YMAA that provide detailed instructions on different martial arts forms, including multiple apps to help you learn tai chi.

Download: Shaolin Kung Fu for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

4. Karate Training Techniques

As much fun as it is to learn karate in a martial arts dojo, it's also possible to learn karate at home. That's why you should download and use the app Karate Training Techniques. The app features a selection of videos by karate experts showing you all the ropes of this martial art form.

Be sure to start from the first library, which is the basic level, and work your way up to library four, which is intermediate level two. Oftentimes, trainers take martial arts training very seriously; the best part about this app is that it makes learning karate straightforward yet incredibly fun.

Download: Karate Training Techniques for Android (Free)

5. Shotokan Karate WKF

When you're learning karate, you have to start with the basics, and the Shotokan Karate WKF app is by far the best place to start.

The Shotokan Karate WKF app assists you in learning karate without any unnecessary extras. It sticks to the basics, from how to tie your belt on your karate gi to how to perform Kumite techniques. Kumite, which means sparring, is one of the main sections you need to know if you want to learn karate.

Additionally, you can learn some interesting history about karate and how it all began with the father of modern karate, Gichin Funakoshi.

Download: Shotokan Karate WKF for Android (Free)

6. Martial Arts

Whether you want to learn kickboxing, Muay Thai, judo, or karate, this is a fantastic app to use. The Martial Arts app combines all martial arts styles in one place, making it easy to learn something new or simply brush up on your skills.

The karate lessons consist of videos demonstrating how to do basic footwork, blocks, and counter techniques. When you've completed the lessons, take your karate to the next level by learning kata and Kumite, which refers to form and sparring. Some extras on the app include videos about preparing for a karate competition and how to earn a black belt.

Download: Martial Arts for Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

7. Fighting Trainer

Performing martial arts techniques can be tricky, and getting them exactly right is a key aspect of your training. Fighting Trainer is a professional how-to app that demonstrates real fighting moves.

The 3D animation helps you to better understand basic punches and kicks as well as more advanced combinations, blocks, takedowns, counters, and submissions. The interface is easy to use, and you can rotate the camera, view the demo in slow motion, or switch to left-handed mode.

Of course, you can use this app to learn martial arts besides karate. The Fighting Trainer app is a great option if you want to brush up on your fighting moves or as an alternative workout if you hate the gym.

Download: Fighting Trainer for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

8. 26 Shotokan Karate Katas

Kata means a series of choreographed movements or forms. In karate, it's vital to fine-tune your kata skills so that you execute your techniques properly. This app, 26 Shotokan Karate Katas, features all the kata movements available in one convenient place.

26 Shotokan Karate Katas is uncomplicated and provides comprehensive kata moves; yet, each includes a detailed video demonstration. For those who want to learn everything about karate, this app is perfect to pair with any of the other apps mentioned.

Download: 26 Shotokan Karate Katas for Android (Free)

These Mobile Apps Can Teach You All You Need to Know About Karate

First and foremost, learning karate can have so many excellent benefits. There's the fact that it's a full-body workout and that it can improve your mental health. Since some of the mental benefits include improved discipline and focus, kids can also gain something from learning karate.

So whether you're a karate newcomer or a professional karate teacher, these mobile apps can potentially help you practice and perfect your martial arts moves.