I am going to step on some toes with this one, but karate is just a sport. It is not a way of life.
Your religion (whatever that may be) is your way of life. Karate is not a religion. It is a sport that many teach as a religion, but it is still just a set of movements. Karate, as most sports do, enforce good habits and maneurisms, but only enforce what you should have learned from your religion and even to a large extent from your upbringing.
I always read Dave Lowry's karate column in Black Belt Magazine and think about this. He (and many like him) teach it as a "way of life" but fail to realize what they are saying by making that claim. I listen to these people go on about how they are better people because of the martial arts, but never hear them talk about who they believe created life and how greatful they are to that god. They thank karate, but never god. Look at the people who say football and baseball are a way of life (and there are many who do). They are making the same claim.
It will always fall to the question: who/what should get the credit for the improvements on one's character? Karate or your God?
AoG
Actually, i think religion should never be used to state any opinion. Religion is religion, sports are sports. And maybe because I don't believe in religion, I am a more open person. Like the bible says (please forgive my unfaithfull statement), the universe came from life. And so does the most current scientific studies, with Bing Bang.
So, like everyone who likes karate, the making it into a sport, was a way to broadcast the martial art itself, so we all know what karate is.
Now, maybe karate didn't make the universe nor did it started anything, but LIKE ANY OTHER RELIGION, it is OUR CHOICE to LIVE LIFE in this earth HOW WE WANT IT.
Karate allowed me to see my gift and allowed me to use it, because that's the truth. I am good on karate and do work hard for a life living with karate in my heart.
My dream is to win an olympic gold medal. In karate. And that's why i work hard everyday, with pain assaulting every one of my moves, to that ultimate goal.
I hope karate makes it to the Olympic. And it may not be religion or a way of life, it's our heart telling us karate is a way to reach religion, by living the karate way of life.