KARATE HISTORY
Influences on Okinawan Karate History
Many historians trace Okinawan karate history, and indeed the broader history of martial arts training in the Far East, to Bodhidharma, the Indian Buddhist monk who traveled to China around 527 CE. He stayed at the Shaolin Temple, where he is said to have taught the monks an ancient form of Indian martial arts known as Vajramushti, which dates back to around 1000 BCE. From this foundation, karate styles began to grow and develop into what we now recognize as kung fu, which spread throughout China. Over the centuries, it is believed that Chinese martial artists visited the island of Okinawa, passing on their knowledge, which eventually evolved into a unique style of martial arts specific to the island. From 1609, Okinawa was governed by the Satsuma samurai clan from Japan, and under their rule, weapons and martial arts training in general were banned. Although some weapon techniques continued in secret, this prohibition significantly influenced the development of many empty-handed techniques. Those who chose to learn martial arts had to practice in secrecy or risk punishment from the authorities. Consequently, very little information about martial arts in Okinawa was documented before the 20th century, and much of what was recorded hasn't survived, leaving the exact details of what was practiced and believed shrouded in mystery. Much of what is accepted as karate history fact derives from an oral tradition and unreliable sources, making it challenging to discern where the truth ends and myths and legends begin; even works written by masters may have drawn from historically inaccurate sources.
Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate History
HISTORY SPEAKS
There were three main karate styles named after the cities where they developed: Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te. Collectively, these fighting styles are known as Okinawan Te (Hand) or Tode (Chinese Hand). By the 19th century, two distinct forms of Tode emerged, namely Shorin-ryu, which was developed from the Shuri and Tomari styles, and Shorei-Ryu, which originated from the fighting techniques practiced in Naha.
It's important to note that these cities were all located within a few miles of one another, and Shorin-Ryu and Shorei-Ryu share many similarities. The primary differences lie in their emphasis, as observed by Sensei Gichin Funakoshi, who studied both styles. He noted that they were developed based on different physical requirements.
Shorin-Ryu is characterized as a quick, linear art that emphasizes natural breathing, while Shorei-Ryu is more rooted, focusing on practiced breathing synchronized with each movement. Funakoshi also pointed out that both styles have connections to the kung fu traditions of the Wutang and Shaolin Temples.
Karate (空手), pronounced kaɽati in Okinawan, is a martial art that evolved in the Ryukyu Kingdom. It originated from indigenous Ryukyuan martial arts (known as te (手), "hand"; tii in Okinawan) and was influenced by Shaolin (Shorin) Kung Fu, particularly Fujian White Crane. Today, karate is predominantly recognized as a striking art, incorporating techniques such as punching, kicking, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and open-hand techniques like knife-hands and spear-hands. In addition to striking, some karate styles also include grappling, throws, joint locks, restraints, and vital-point strikes, making martial arts training comprehensive. A practitioner of karate is referred to as a karateka (空手家), with the plural being "karateka" or "karatekas."
The Empire of Japan annexed the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1879, leading to the introduction of karate to the Japanese archipelago in the early 20th century. This occurred during a period of migration when many Ryukyuans, particularly from Okinawa, sought work in Japan. Karate was systematically taught in Japan following the Taishō era of 1912-1926. In 1922, the Japanese Ministry of Education invited Gichin Funakoshi to Tokyo to demonstrate karate. By 1924, Keio University established the first university karate club in mainland Japan, and by 1932, major universities had formed their own karate clubs. During this time of rising Japanese militarism, the name was changed from 唐手 ("Chinese hand" or "Tang hand") to 空手 ("empty hand")—both pronounced karate in Japanese—to signify a desire to develop the combat style in a distinctly Japanese manner. After World War II, Okinawa became an important U.S. military site, further popularizing karate among servicemen stationed there.
