Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) the founder of modern karate-do, said:
... "One of the most striking features of karate is that it may be engaged in by anybody, young or old. Strong or weak, male or female. Further, one need not even have an opponent for practice purposes. Nor is there any need for a specially made uniform. Even a dojo is unnecessary: a person can practice karate in his own yard. Of course, anyone truly determined to master the various kata must do so at a proper dojo, but someone whose desire is merely to stay healthy and to train his mind and spirit may do so by practicing karate by himself."