The Tokyo Olympics are introducing four new sports — skateboarding, surfing, karate and sport climbing. Each traveled its own unique path to the Games. Here, at a glance, from Associated Press journalists covering each sport, are the tales of how these sports reached Tokyo and what to watch for in each.

THE SPORT: Karate

WHEN IT DEBUTS: Aug. 5-7

WHY IT’S IN THE OLYMPICS NOW: Because it’s coming home for its Olympic debut. The martial art that spread across Japan in the early 20th century and soon became ubiquitous worldwide has been a candidate for Olympic inclusion since the 1970s, but organizers never found its case compelling until the Tokyo Games presented an opportunity to showcase its blend of striking combat and rigorous discipline from its homeland.

Read: ‘The greatest honor’: Osaka lights Olympic cauldron

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: The three days of competition at the famed Nippon Budokan will feature dozens of talented kumite (sparring) competitors in three weight divisions, along with the fascinating precision of kata (forms demonstration, often compared to a floor exercise in gymnastics). With karate currently on another upswing due to its resurgent popularity in movies and television, viewers are hoping to see excitement in a sport that isn’t always as violent as casual sports fans probably believe.

Read: Tokyo Olympics begin with muted ceremony and empty stadium

STARS TO WATCH: Japan’s greatest fighters will be under pressure to deliver. Naoto Sago’s competition against France’s Steven Da Costa and the best of the 67 kg field could be an opening day highlight. Miho Miyahara could kick off the women’s competition on the same day with another gold for Japan. Ken Nishimura is a favorite at 75 kg. The women’s kata competition is almost certain to be close between Spain’s Sandra Sánchez and Japan’s Kiyou Shimizu.