History of Karate

Karate was born in the Okinawan Islands as a method of self-defense, at a time when weapons were banned by invading Japanese forces. It began as a fighting style used by the natives of the Ryukyu Islands, and was later influenced by Chinese kenpō which is introduced by the Chinese families that settled on Okinawa.

From three Okinawan cities (Shuri, Naha, Tomari),  three separate styles emerged:

• Shuri-te
• Naha-te
• Tomari-te

Collectively, these styles were called Okinawa-te or tode (Chinese hand). Over time, the styles merged slightly and become just two. They are Shōrin-ryū (developed near Shuri and Tomari) and Shōrei-ryū ( developed near Naha).

Because of increasing Japanese influence, the label of te was eventually lengthened to karate-jutsu (Chinese hand art). It then changed to karate-do after an Okinawan master altered the meaning of the word kara (also pronounced tode) to mean “empty” rather than “Chinese hand.” So, karate-do translates into “the way of the empty hand.”

Statue of Bodhidharama Thero

One popular theory says that Karate came from India over a thousand years ago and brought to China by a Buddhist monk called Bodhidarma (“daruma” in Japanese). As legend describes it, Bodhidarma arrived in Shaolinsi and began teaching Zen Buddhism as well which is a style of temple boxing based on exercises designed to strengthen the mind and body. The accuracy of this legend is still a hot issue of debate today.

Chart of the Styles

Modern Karate

Today, karate-do is taught all around the world, and though it is often modified and always changing. And today there are four main styles of karate-do. Let's see how they have developed over time.

Goju-ryu developed out of Naha-te, its popularity primarily due to the success of Kanryo Higaonna (1853-1915). Higaonna opened a dojo in Naha using eight forms brought from China. His best student, Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953) later founded Goju-ryu, 'hard soft way' in 1930. In Goju-ryu much emphasis is placed on combining soft circular blocking techniques with quick strong counter attacks delivered in rapid succession.

Shito-ryu was founded by Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952) in 1928 and was influenced directly by both Naha-te and Shuri-te. The name Shito is constructively derived from the combination of the Japanese characters of Mabuni's teachers' names - Ankoh Itosu and Kanryo Higaonna. Shito-ryu schools use a large number of kata, about fifty, and is characterized by an emphasis on power in the execution of techniques.

Shotokan was founded by Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) in Tokyo in 1938. Funakoshi is considered to be the founder of modern karate. Born in Okinawa, he began to study karate with Yasutsune Azato, one of Okinawa's greatest experts in the art. In 1921 Funakoshi first introduced Karate to Tokyo. In 1936, at nearly 70 years of age, he opened his own training hall. The dojo was called Shotokan after the pen name used by Funakoshi to sign poems written in his youth. Shotokan Karate is characterized by powerful linear techniques and deep strong stances.

Wado-ryu, 'way of harmony', founded in 1939 is a system of karate developed from jujitsu and karate by Hienori Otsuka as taught by one of his instructors, Gichin Funakoshi. This style of karate combines basic movements of jujitsu with techniques of evasion, putting a strong emphasis on softness and the way of harmony or spiritual discipline.

Significant Dates in the History of Karate

• 1905:     Karate is included in Okinawa’s physical education programs at the intermediate level.
• 1917:     Funakoshi gives the first public demonstration of karate-do.
• 1922:     Funakoshi is invited by Dr. Jano Kano to give a demonstration at the Kodokan Dojo, bringing karate-do to Japan.
• 1924:     The first university karate club is established in Japan, at Keio University.
• 1930s:    Karate makes its way to Canada.
• 1936:     Okinawan masters meet to discuss karate in Okinawa, a meeting sponsored by the newspaper Ryukyu Shimpo.
• 1939:     Japan opens Shoto-Kan, its first formal training school.
• 1945:     The first dojo is opened in the United States.
• 1949:     The Japan Karate Association is formed.
• 1950s:    Karate is introduced in the United Kingdom.
• 1960s:    Karate makes its way to the Soviet Union and is banned and unbanned several times over the next three decades.
• 1964:     France Shotokan Karate is created in France.
• 1989:     Karate is legalized once again in the Soviet Union.
• August 3, 2016 - International Olympics Committee voted to add Karate for Olympics.

References 

• The history of Karate. Karate as a sport - Athletic Scholarships 
• History of Karate - Karate International
• Karate in the Olympics - Black Belt

Let's meet again with some interesting facts about Karate soon. Osu!!

Kalpani