With the ability to break blocks, wood, and ice with their bare hands and feet, Karate students can make even the most powerful action figure look weak. But while these amazing feats have gained Karate much publicity, they do not fully comprise the art. In reality, strength is not developed to break objects or even hurt attackers, but rather to overcome personal barriers and improve yourself! Karate is comprised of the words "kara" (empty), "te" (hand), and oftentimes, "do" (the way). Together, it literally means "the way of the empty hand." Although it is often referred to as Karate, the "do" was added as an indicator that it is a discipline in addition to training or fighting skill.