History of Karate

1. Origins in India and China
Karate traces its legendary roots to Bodhidharma (Boddhi Daruma), a Buddhist monk from India who traveled to the Shaolin Temple in China around the 5th or 6th century. There, he introduced physical and mental training practices, blending spiritual discipline with self-defense methods. His teachings formed the basis of Ch’an (Zen) Buddhism and influenced martial arts development in China.

2. Introduction to Okinawa
The martial practices from Shaolin likely reached Okinawa through travelers and scholars. Okinawans adapted these techniques into their own fighting methods, known as "Te" (hand).

·        Originally called Kara-Te meaning "Chinese Hand"

·        Later renamed Karate meaning "Empty Hand" by Master Gichin Funakoshi, who changed the kanji to reflect a deeper philosophical meaning.

3. Evolution in Okinawa
Karate developed in secrecy due to weapon bans imposed by Japanese rulers after Okinawa’s annexation in 1609. Three main styles emerged from different regions:

·        Shuri-te – from the royal capital Shuri

·        Naha-te – from the commercial city of Naha

·        Tomari-te – from the port town of Tomari

Key historical figures include:

·        Chatan Yara (1668) – Studied in China, trained Takahara Peichin.

·        Sakugawa Kanga (Tode Sakugawa) – Student of Takahara; introduced the Dojo concept.

·        Matsumura Sokon (Bushi Matsumura) – Created Shuri-te style; served as royal bodyguard.

·        Ankoh Itosu (1830–1915) – Formalized Karate training, introduced it to Okinawan schools, and emphasized Kata as a tool for character development.

4. Major Styles and Masters

·        Naha-te was refined by Kanryo Higaonna and later by Chojun Miyagi, who created Goju-Ryu ("Hard-Soft Style").

·        Tomari-te evolved with masters like Matsumora and Oyadomari, who trained influential martial artists such as Kyan Chotoku and Motobu Choki.

·        Shito-Ryu was developed by Kenwa Mabuni, combining elements of Shorin-Ryu (Shuri/Tomari influence) and Goju-Ryu.

5. Introduction to Japan and Global Spread
In 1922, at the invitation of the Japanese Crown Prince, Gichin Funakoshi (a student of Itosu) demonstrated Karate in Tokyo. He remained in Japan and founded Shotokan, the first formal Karate dojo in mainland Japan. This marked Karate’s transformation from an Okinawan secret art into a recognized Japanese martial art and its spread worldwide.

6. Modern Karate Philosophy
Karate emphasizes physical discipline, mental focus, and character development. As Sensei Morio Higaonna stated, it is a lifelong path to achieving peace of mind, discipline, and inner strength.