History of Karate

Karate, which means "empty hand" in Japanese, is a martial art that involves kicking, punching, blocking and evasion techniques. There are many different styles of karate that have evolved throughout the centuries, as different practitioners and teachers have developed their own techniques and disciplines. Early versions of karate as a means of defense are believed to date back to ancient Asia, but the sport, fitness and mental discipline that is practiced today can be traced back to the early twentieth century.

  1. Early Versions of Karate

    • According the the article "Traces of (Okinawan) Karate Development," karate can be traced back to early fourteenth century Okinawa. The people of Okinanwa practiced a defense style they called Te. As trade and travel became more prevalent throughout Asia, the influence of Chinese systems, such as Shaolin ch'uan fa and kung fu, were added to the mix. When the Japanese invaded Okinawa in 1609, the government banned the citizens from owning weapons. To fend off attackers, the people of Okinawa further developed their fighting styles and also learned how to use items, such as farming implements as weapons. It is believed that the people from Okinawa changed the name of their defense style from Te to the karate, a more acceptable Japanese term, to placate their Japanese overlords.

    The Emergence of a Master

    • Karate remained primarily practiced in Okinawa, but one man was destined to change that pattern. Born in the Okinawan town of Shuri in 1868, Gichin Funakoshi was intensely trained in the martial arts by Sensei Azato and Sensei Itosu, considered two of the greatest Okinawan masters. His training began when he was small child and continued as he grew into a young man. As cited by the website Ginchin Funakoshi, he eventually combined all that he learned into his own style that he called Shotokan karate.

    Karate's Expansion Through Asia

    • Sensei Funakoshi is credited with introducing modern karate to other parts of Asia. According to "A Brief History of Shotokan Karate," he was invited to give a demonstration of his style at the all-Japan athletic exhibition at Ochanomizu in 1922. The response was enthusiastic, and Sensei Funakoshi was invited by Sensei Kano Jigoro, the founder of the grappling art of Judo, to demonstrate his style to his students. The master was then besieged by athletes who wanted to learn his martial art.

    Establishing Karate in Japan

    • At the age of 50, Sensei Funakoshi moved to Japan and set up his permanent dojos (karate training halls). He remained an active teacher for many years, but soon found himself limited by age. According to "A Brief History of Shotokan Karate," his students' training was eventually overseen by his middle son, Yoshitaka, who tweaked the style with his own personal touches. Sensei Ginchin Funakoshi set to promoting his art through his writing, composing "Karate-Do Kyohan," considered the master text on Karate and "Karate-Do: My Way of Life," a personal chronicle of his journey through the martial arts.

    Beyond Asia

    • In the years following World War II and the Allied forces infiltration of Japan, karate traveled throughout Europe and across the world to North America. American soldiers based in Japan after the war studied the art and then brought it to the United States, where it continues to be practiced as a fitness regimen and a spiritual philosophy.

    Insight: The Dojo Kun

    • Although karate is most recognized for its kicking and punching, karateka, or karate practitioners, are expected to adhere to a strict ethical code. Sensei Funakoshi passed a slate of five rules that he deemed the dojo kun, or dojo rules: Seek perfection of character. Be faithful. Endeavor to excel. Respect others. Refrain from violent behavior.