From Ancient Roots to a Global Art

The history of karate is a fascinating journey of cultural exchange, adaptation, and evolution. It transformed from a hidden, indigenous fighting system into a refined martial art and a worldwide sport.

Origins: The Indigenous Roots in Okinawa (c. 14th-18th Centuries)

The story of karate begins on the Ryukyu Islands, most notably the main island of Okinawa. Its development was shaped by a unique geopolitical context.

• The Ryukyu Kingdom: Okinawa was an independent kingdom with extensive trade relationships with China, Southeast Asia, and other regions. This exposure to foreign cultures was crucial.
• The Ban on Weapons: In 1429, King Sho Hashi unified Okinawa and banned the carrying of weapons by civilians to prevent rebellion. This ban was further enforced in 1609 after the invasion and subjugation of Okinawa by the Japanese Satsuma clan. The inability to own weapons led the Okinawan people to develop empty-handed fighting systems for self-defense and protection against armed samurai.
• “Te” (手): The indigenous fighting art was simply called “Te” (hand) or “Okinawa-te” (Okinawan hand). It was a practical and brutal form of combat, not a standardized art.

Chinese Influence: The Birth of “Tōde” (唐手)

Okinawa’s trade with China, particularly the Fujian province, allowed for a significant exchange of cultural practices, including martial arts.

• Kung Fu Blends with Te: Chinese martial arts (often called Kung Fu or Ch’uan Fa 拳法 in Japanese) were introduced by Chinese envoys, merchants, and Okinawans who travelled to China. These styles blended with the native “Te.”
• The Name “Tōde”: The new, synthesized art was called Tōde (唐手), meaning “Chinese Hand” or “Tang Hand” (Tang Dynasty). This is the direct precursor to modern karate.
• Key Figures: Legends speak of masters like Kusanku (a Chinese diplomat) and Sakukawa Kanga (who trained in China) who were instrumental in this synthesis.

The 19th Century: Systemization and the Great Masters

This period saw “Tōde” evolve from a collection of techniques into a more formalized martial art with distinct styles.

• Matsumura Sōkon: A bodyguard to the Okinawan king, he is considered one of the primary founders of Shuri-te (from Shuri, the royal capital). His teachings form the basis of Shōrin-ryū and later Shotokan.
• The Three Main Streams: By the late 1800s, three major styles had developed, named after the cities they came from:
  1. Shuri-te: From the capital city, Shuri. It was characterized by linear movements, speed, and agility, suited for the nobility and royal guards.
  2. Naha-te: From the commercial port city, Naha. It emphasized strong, rooted stances, circular movements, and breathing techniques, heavily influenced by Chinese White Crane and other Fujian styles.
  3. Tomari-te: From the town of Tomari, it shared similarities with Shuri-te but had its own distinct kata. It was eventually absorbed into the other two styles.
• Ankō Itosu (1831-1915): Arguably the most important figure in modern karate. A student of Matsumura, he was responsible for introducing karate into the Okinawan school system around 1901. To make it safe and accessible for children, he:

• Created simplified Pinan (Heian) kata.
• Emphasized its role in building character and physical fitness, downplaying its lethal aspects.
• This shift was critical for karate’s spread and survival into the modern era.

Migration to Japan: The Modernization of Karate (Early 20th Century)

The man most responsible for bringing karate to mainland Japan was Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), a student of both Itosu and Azato.

• 1922 Demonstration: Funakoshi was invited to perform at the First National Athletic Exhibition in Tokyo. His demonstration was a sensation.
• Staying in Japan: Encouraged to stay, he began teaching karate in Tokyo, initially at universities.
• The Name Change: From “Chinese Hand” to “Empty Hand”: To make the art more acceptable to the Japanese cultural and martial ethos (and to distance it from its Chinese origins during a period of rising nationalism), Funakoshi and others changed the characters for the name. 唐手 (Tōde, Chinese Hand) was replaced with 空手 (Karate, Empty Hand). The new meaning, “Empty Hand,” reflected both the unarmed nature of the art and the philosophical concept of “emptiness” or “void” from Zen Buddhism.
• Systemization for Teaching: Funakoshi and his peers adopted the Japanese martial arts structure:
  • Standardized the gi (uniform), borrowed from judo.
  • Implemented the kyū/dan (colour belt/black belt) ranking system.
  • Organized training into three pillars: Kihon (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (sparring).
  • Renamed many kata from Okinawan to Japanese (e.g., Kusanku became Kankū-dai).

Other masters like Kenwa Mabuni (founder of Shitō-ryū) and Chōjun Miyagi (founder of Gōjū-ryū) also moved to Japan to spread their styles, leading to the formation of the major schools (ryūha) of Japanese karate.

Post-WWII Expansion and the Birth of Sport Karate

After World War II, the American occupation of Japan and Okinawa led to a massive export of karate.

• American Servicemen: Many US military personnel stationed in Japan and Okinawa trained in karate and brought it back to the United States, seeding its growth across the West.
• Global Spread: Throughout the 1950s-1970s, instructors travelled worldwide, establishing dojos and organizations.
• Sportification: To ensure its survival and appeal in the modern world, karate began to emphasize sport competition. This led to:
  • The development of points-based kumite (sparring) with protective equipment.
  • The creation of dedicated competition kata.
  • The establishment of numerous national and international governing bodies.

Karate in the Modern Era

Today, karate is a global phenomenon with millions of practitioners.

• Olympic Recognition: After decades of effort, karate made its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2020 Tokyo Games (held in 2021). This represents the pinnacle of its journey from a secret Okinawan art to a world stage.
• Diversity of Practice: Modern karate exists in many forms:
  • Traditional/Okinawan Karate: Focuses on preserving the old ways, self-defense, and kata application (bunkai).
  • Sport Karate: Focuses on athletic competition, points fighting, and flashy, athletic kata.

Whilst our club come from a Traditional Karate point of origin, we believe in practicing a more progressive and pragmatic form of Karate.