

Developed by Technos for Data East, and known as Karate Dō "The Way of the Empty Hand" in Japan, Karate Champ is a classic and largely recognised arcade game responsible for influencing many one-on-one fighting games to come. Apart from the white and red karate suit wearing main characters which would be seen again in the Street Fighter series, Karate Champ was the first game to establish the one-on-one game genre with large well animated sprites, and a complex roster of moves. The game was a strong influence for upcoming games like Konami's Yie Ar Kung Fu, and Capcom's Street Fighter.
Karate Champ makes use of a very unique Two-Joystick (no buttons) control system. While not everyone's preference, the control system is quite intuitive, yet takes significant time to master - offering a depth of gameplay not often seen in this era. A truly arcade gaming classic which we are so proud to offer in a dedicated original cabinet. An essential play on your next arcade visit.
Karate Champ is a unique one, being one of the first arcade games of the VS Fighter genre to make it big and set the course for what became one of the most iconic genres of the arcade. Being the one of the first of its kind, Karate Champ not only popularised the genre but also established how these games would be developed from here on out.
Karate Champ uses a unique twin-stick control type, the left joystick controlling movement and the right joystick controlling attacks. The game is designed to replicate real-life karate championships with slow movement and thoughtful controls that make for a strategic yet satisfying gaming experience.
Also Known As
Karate Dō
Karate Dō
Released
1984
1984
Publisher
Data East
Data East
Genre
VS Fighter
VS Fighter
Scores Submitted
5
5
Game Facts & Trivia
Karate Champ was the best-selling arcade game of 1985
The version of Karate Champ most of us know is actually a sequel, the first version of the game released in Japan was single player only!