The Full History of Karate: From its Origins to Practice

Welcome to this journey through time as we explore the fascinating history of karate. An art of self-defense that has transcended time and geography, karate’s origins stem back hundreds of years, finding its early roots in the martial traditions of China. Over the centuries, it evolved, uniquely combining strength, flexibility, and strategic thinking, representing far more than just the physical punches and kicks it is often reduced to.

Although its roots are ancient, karate boasts a dynamism that keeps it ever-changing and continually relevant in the modern world. Thanks to cinematic popularization, it has sealed its place in global consciousness, but there is so much more to this martial art than the choreographed fights seen on film.

From numerous styles and schools, to the great pioneers who birthed them, we’ll meander through every significant touchpoint in karate’s story. Reflecting on the political and cultural forces that influenced its growth, we’ll explore the transformation of karate from a forbidden practice to a globally recognized Olympic sport. This isn’t just the history of a martial art – it’s the history of individuals, societies, and cultures that have kept this art of the warrior alive and vibrant.

Through this comprehensive walk-through of karate’s historic timeline, we invite you to delve into a martial art that epitomizes discipline, respect, and strength. Whether you are a seasoned karateka, a casual enthusiast, or merely curious, buckle up for an enriching exploration into the full history of karate.

The Chinese Beginnings of Karate

Long before karate became a household name around the globe, it was taking its first steps in the shadow of ancient Chinese martial arts. The birth of karate was not an isolated event but is deeply intertwined with the traditional fighting techniques from China, with rich philosophical concepts underpinning it. Although it ultimately developed its identity in Okinawa, the influence of Chinese martial arts remains clearly perceptible in its forms, techniques, and philosophy.

Commencing our journey in the 5th century, we arrive at the Shaolin Temple, which many consider the heartbeat of Asian martial arts. Buddhist monk Bodhidharma trekked from India to China, with a mission of spreading Buddhism. Realizing the monks were vulnerable and physically weak, he supplemented the teachings with a set of physical exercises to boost strength and concentration. These activities evolved into a combat and meditation system known as Shaolin Kung Fu, a wellspring from which numerous martial arts, including karate, have derived inspiration.

Fast forward to the 14th century, with regular trade and diplomatic relations between China and the Ryukyu Kingdom, an archipelago that includes Okinawa. Chinese families, merchants, and officials started to settle in Okinawa. With them, they brought their cultural traditions, including various martial techniques. The Okinawans, with their own native combat methodology known as Te, began to absorb these Chinese fighting styles, ushering us closer to karate’s inception.

Delving deep into the 16th century, a significant development occurred which would solidify the bond between Okinawa and China. Thirty-six Chinese families, a mix of traders and diplomats, moved to Okinawa in 1392. They introduced Chinese martial arts in more structured forms and philosophies. What is now termed as the ’36 Families’ event left a profound mark on Okinawan martial arts, with Chinese techniques and styles becoming more distinct within native practices.

Even today, the influence of Kung Fu can be seen in several karate katas, like the Gojushiho kata, which hold noticeable traces of their Chinese ancestry. The name itself, “karate,” which originally was written as “Chinese Hand,” and later changed to “Empty Hand,” hints at its Chinese roots.

One of the most essential Chinese aspects that seeped into karate is the concept of intrinsic energy or ‘Qi.’ Though it doesn’t have an exact parallel in the karate world, one can’t overlook its influence. It merged with Okinawa’s native Te to create a sophisticated system focused on spiritual, mental, and physical fortitude—the foundation of karate.

Also noteworthy is the White Crane Kung Fu, rooted in the Fujian province of China. This style, with its soft, flowing movements and focus on technique over strength, had a substantial influence on Naha-te karate that developed in Okinawa. It’s no coincidence that Goju-Ryu karate, evolved from Naha-te, bases its name on the concept of ‘Hard-Soft,’ echoing the Crane’s evasive maneuvers and the Tiger’s forceful hits found in Chinese arts.

Understanding this Chinese connection doesn’t diminish the uniqueness of karate as an Okinawan martial art but rather enhances our appreciation of its rich and multilayered past. It was through the steady accretion of these Chinese techniques, philosophies, and forms over native Okinawan practices that karate began to take shape.

From the walls of Shaolin temples to the sandy shores of Okinawa, the journey of the ‘Chinese hand’ to becoming the modern ‘Empty hand’ of karate is nothing short of extraordinary. This fusion had sparked a flame that would later become karate, forever tying the martial arts DNA of Okinawa and China. Even though karate took an individual path and evolved uniquely over centuries, the Chinese beginnings continue to echo through the katas and philosophies in its practice today.

Ryu Kyu Kingdom and the Birth of Karate

Set against the backdrop of political upheaval and change, the Ryukyu Kingdom (present-day Okinawa) marked a critical stage in the evolution of the martial art we now know as karate. Often an overlooked chapter in larger historical narratives, the Ryukyu Kingdom played a pivotal role in shaping karate’s future.

Political Factors and “Te”: The late 14th century saw the unification of Okinawa under the Ryukyu Kingdom. However, an invasion in the early 1600s by the Satsuma Clan of Japan led to the implementation of a weapons ban, intending to suppress local resistance. In response, Okinawan martial arts practitioners turned to “Te” or “hand,” developing hand-to-hand combat techniques to defend themselves.

The Impact of Chinese Techniques: As previously discussed, Okinawa already had close ties with China through trade and diplomacy by this time. The martial arts techniques brought by Chinese settlers were gradually adopted into Okinawan “Te,” leading to a fusion of styles. This blend of techniques marked the birth of a new martial art that was uniquely Okinawan yet carried the unmistakable imprint of Chinese martial arts.

Key Cultural Factors in the Birth of Karate:

1. Chinese Settlements: The arrival of the 36 Chinese families provided strong cultural exchanges. Techniques from various forms of Kung Fu were integrated into Te, enriching it significantly in technique and theory.

2. Pechin Class: The local warrior and administrative class, known as Pechin, played a vital role in karate’s development. They combined Te with the Chinese martial arts, often studying in secret under night’s cover, facilitating the transformation into what would eventually be known as karate.

3. Monk Influence: Interaction with spiritual monks introduced an element of inner strength and mental discipline, instilling karate with an aura of spirituality.

The outcome was a distinct Okinawan martial art, initially referred to as ‘Tode,’ ‘To-te,’ or ‘China hand’ acknowledging its Chinese influence while preserving its roots in Te. It became an integral part of the Okinawan culture, preserved and passed down through generations.

Development of Karate Styles:
The isolation of Okinawa’s various cities due to mountainous terrain and their individual lineage of Te techniques led to the birth of different karate styles. The three cities, Shuri, Naha, and Tomari, despite their geographical closeness, cultivated their unique forms of karate:

1. Shuri-Te: Predominantly practiced by the royal and noble classes, it’s characterized by quick, linear movements. Key figures included ‘Bushi’ Matsumura and his student Itosu Ankō.

2. Naha-Te: Influenced heavily by the slow, controlled techniques of Chinese White Crane Kung Fu, Higashionna Kanryo was a critical figure in its development.

3. Tomari-Te: While lesser-known, it’s characterized by its intermediate speed and distinctive methods. Kosaku Matsumora and his students played key roles in preserving and spreading it.

Thus, amidst tumultuous times, the Ryukyu Kingdom facilitated the incorporation of Chinese techniques into native Te, which birthed what we now identify as karate. The political climate, coupled with cultural interactions, gave rise to a martial art form that served both as a means of self-defense and as an embodiment of Okinawan resilience and adaptability.

Karate, which emanated from the synthesis of Okinawan Te and Chinese martial art influences, had now begun its journey, preparing to leave an indelible mark on the pages of history. The emergence of Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te styles laid the groundwork for future karate styles and the detailed tradition of lineages that continues to this day.

Maturation of Karate in Okinawa

The story of karate is deeply embedded in Okinawan culture. Okinawa was,- and continues to be,- the bedrock upon which karate matured, diversified, and eventually flourished.

Silent Teachers – the Makiwara and the Kata:

In the absence of certified ‘dojo’ or training halls, early practitioners improvised with what they had, most notably, the makiwara- a simple punching board to improve power and technique. However, the heart of karate’s maturation lay not in physical accessories but in the Kata- a predefined sequence of movements mimicking combat scenarios. Passed down from master to student, these Katas became the silent teachers borne of necessity, with each one emphasizing specific techniques and strategies.

Te, Ti, and Tode: The Transition to Karate:

The late 1800s witnessed the gradual confluence of three major systems– the Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te, into a more cohesive, strategic fighting system. Te or Ti (from Shuri and Tomari) and Tode (from Naha- with Chinese influence) gradually assimilated into what Anko Itosu, one of karate’s pivotal figures, would eventually call ‘Karate’- the empty hand.

Key Figures in this Period:

A. ‘Bushi’ Matsumura Sokon: Renowned for his skills in Shuri-te, Matsumura trained around 1,000 students, including Anko Itosu, and served as a bridge between ancient martial arts and the karate we know today.

B. Anko Itosu: Idealized as the ‘grandfather of modern karate’, Itosu introduced the Pinan Katas, simpler forms designed for teaching karate in schools. His other significant contributions include the codification of the Naihanchi Katas and his ten precepts of karate, which further defined and institutionalized the practice.

C. Higashionna Kanryo: Known for his role in developing Naha-te, Higashionna is particularly famous for introducing the Sanchin Kata, a key form foundational to many karate styles today.

Public Emergence and Institutionalization of Karate:

After decades of being a hidden martial art practiced in secrecy, Karate began its journey into public view in 1901, thanks to Anko Itosu’s efforts to introduce karate into Okinawa’s public education system. Post this, Karate was no longer a secret art known only to a select few but a part of school curriculum that contributed to physical education and instilled discipline.

Impact of Japanese Annexation and Taisho Democracy:

The late 19th and early 20th century saw a unique intersection of political events – the annexation of Okinawa by Japan and the advent of the Taisho democracy. Both factors had a significant influence on Karate’s maturation, as the open political climate of the Taisho period allowed for a freer exchange of ideas and for karate’s further development.

Further Development of Karate Styles:

As Karate matured in the early 20th century, each traditional system- Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te continued evolving, providing the foundation for many of today’s major styles.

• Shuri-te’s linear, dynamic techniques evolved into Shotokan, founded by Funakoshi Gichin.
• Naha-te, characterized by breathing and body-hardening exercises, gave rise to Goju-Ryu by Miyagi Chojun.
• While Tomari-te had fewer practitioners, it influenced the development of styles like Shorinji-Ryu and Motobu-ryu.

This phase in the history of karate in Okinawa is best characterized by its maturation, unification, institutionalization, and expansion. The passion, dedication, and innovation of key individuals like Itosu Anko and ‘Bushi’ Matsumura wrought these changes. Karate, now a part of Okinawan public schooling, was ready to break free from its secrecy and prepare for a larger audience awaiting in mainland Japan. These years in Okinawa paved the way for Karate to evolve from a local martial art into an internationally recognized discipline, furthering its cause for resilience, self-defense and personal growth.

Creation of Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te

The karate that we know today owes its form and essence to three distinct schools or styles that originated from different regions of Okinawa around the 17th to 19th centuries. These are the Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te styles. Understanding these styles is essential to grasp the evolution and diversity of Karate.

Shuri-te: The Art of the Samurai

Founded in Shuri, the former capital city and the cultural heart of Okinawa, the Shuri-te style’s patrons often belonged to the aristocratic and samurai classes. This style primarily focused on swift, linear techniques and stances which were enlightening and direct. Recognized masters of this style include:

• ‘Bushi’ Matsumura Sokon: Trained directly by Chinese martial arts master Iwah, Matsumura is often credited as the founder of the Shuri-te style. His style was a fusion of native Okinawan techniques and the Chinese martial arts knowledge he acquired.
• Itosu Anko: A notable student of Matsumura, Itosu’s contributions shaped the very core of modern karate – creation of the simplified Pinan Katas and the introduction of karate into public schools.

Naha-te: Breathing and Methodical Technique

Originating in the port city of Naha, the Naha-te style is characterized by calm, circular movements, importance to breathing, and body conditioning exercises.

• Higashionna Kanryo, often referred to as the founder, picked up these techniques from his journeys to Fu Zhou in China. His style was deeply influenced by the Chinese martial arts, especially the White Crane Kung Fu style.
• His student, Miyagi Chojun, later went on to establish the widely known Goju-Ryu karate style from Naha-te.

Tomari-te: The Forgotten Style

The less-documented Tomari-te style had roots in the fishing village of Tomari. Known as the ‘middle ground’ between Shuri-te’s dynamic techniques and Naha-te’s soft ones, Tomari-te was significant for its unique and distinct kata (form) interpretations.

• One of its illustrious practitioners was Matsumora Kosaku, a master known for his impressive use of kata and development of self-defense applications.
• His student Motobu Choki, a renowned figure in karate, contributed heavily to Tomari-te’s growth with his fighting techniques.

With the creation and development of Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te, karate began to take shape in its various complexities and nuances. These three styles, born out of the unique geographical, political, and cultural terrains of their birthplaces, greatly deepened the spectrum of karate. While they had their unique identifying traits, they all adhered to the basic principle of karate- “Karate Ni Senteshi Nashi,” which translates to “There is no first strike in karate.”

The emergence of these styles marked the beginning of the shift from a martial art known to a select few to one destined for a global stage. It paved the way for the multitude of diverse karate styles the world has come to appreciate today while preserving its core values. The richness of these styles played a crucial part in the journey from ‘te’ to modern karate. Each tells an intriguing story about the spirit, adaptability, and evolution of Karate.

The Contribution of Gichin Funakoshi: The Father of Modern Karate

In the vast landscape of karate’s history, several notable figures have left their indelible mark. Among them, Gichin Funakoshi, often referred to as the father of modern karate, stands foremost with his transformative contributions. His role in bringing Karate from its ancestral home, Okinawa, to mainland Japan has made him synonymous with Karate’s evolution.

Funakoshi’s Early Life and Training

Born in Shuri, Okinawa in 1868, Funakoshi began his training under the masters Yasutsune Azato and Yasutsune Itosu in Shuri-te and Naha-te respectively. Here, Funakoshi developed his foundational skills, adopting the discipline, respect, and fortitude that characterize karate. Despite his small stature, Funakoshi’s determination and endurance led him to become one of the leading figures in karate.

The Development of Shotokan Karate

In the early 1930s, Funakoshi established the first official Shotokan Karate dojo in Tokyo. Distinguished by its deep, long stances and linear techniques, Shotokan helped align Karate with the principles of Japanese Budo (martial ways). Funakoshi modified and standardized the original Okinawan Katas, creating the Heian (or Pinan) series, which served as the foundation of his schools’ curriculum.

The Contribution of the Niju Kun and Dojo Kun

Funakoshi introduced the Niju Kun and the Dojo Kun, which served as the guiding principles for his students. The Niju Kun are Funakoshi’s 20 rules for life and karate, emphasizing courtesy, integrity, humility, and the non-violence principle of karate. The Dojo Kun, meant to be recited before and after training sessions, further underlined these core values.

The Influence of Zen Philosophy on Karate

Fundamental to Funakoshi’s karate was his deep and profound study of Zen Buddhism. His philosophy propagated ‘Mu shin’ or ‘mind-no-mind’, translating to performing movements without conscious thought, as if in a meditative state. Such teachings further elevated karate from purely physical exertion to a discipline aiding in personal and spiritual growth.

The Pioneer of Karate in Japan

Funakoshi’s most significant contribution was his tireless effort to take Karate to a wider audience, particularly mainland Japan. In 1922, he was invited to demonstrate karate at the First National Athletic Exhibition in Tokyo. Captivated by these performances, the Japanese martial arts community (and society at large) began to appreciate and adopt karate.

He made it his life’s work to teach karate throughout Japan, overcoming numerous obstacles like the cultural resistance towards Okinawan customs. Despite these challenges, Funakoshi’s unyielding resolve saw karate’s inclusion in major Japanese universities’ curriculum.

JKA and International Recognition

Following WWII, Funakoshi founded the Japan Karate Association (JKA), which became the driving force in spreading Karate worldwide. Funakoshi remained involved in its activities till his passing, helping steer the path of Karate towards international recognition.

Gichin Funakoshi’s Legacy

Funakoshi passed away in 1957, but his legacy has never faded. His students continued propagating his teachings via Shotokan schools globally, some founding their styles like the Wado-ryu and Kyokushin Karate.

It is essential to recognize that Funakoshi’s contributions transcend the physical framework of karate. Through his teachings, principles, and philosophies, he emphasized the ‘Do’ in ‘Karate-Do’ – the way of karate as a tool for character building, humility, and mental fortitude.

Gichin Funakoshi was not just a karate master; his vision, perseverance, and philosophy epitomize the spirit of Karate. His lifelong dedication played an instrumental role in refining Karate’s image from a fierce, secluded fighting style to an esteemed martial art form known and practiced worldwide.

Deeply stitched into the story of every karate punch, kick, kata or kiai, there is the influential thread of Gichin Funakoshi, continually guiding the art’s evolution. His is a story of the man who achieved his dream of elevating Karate into a global discipline respected for its depth, integrity, and spirit of personal betterment. Gichin Funakoshi will always be remembered as the towering figure who shaped the ‘Way of the Empty Hand’ that we all know and respect today, and he stands forever at the heart of Karate’s rich and riveting saga.

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