The Origin of Karate
Karate is probably one of the most popular forms of martial arts today. Everyone has heard the word Karate and knows it is a martial art. But what many people may not know is how Karate is different from other martial arts and that we can trace the origins of Karate for centuries.
What Is Karate?
Karate is a “hard” style of Japanese martial arts. This means the movements are sharp and crisp as opposed to the circular “soft” movements of martial arts like Kung Fu. Students of Karate learn strong, physical techniques of self-defense. They spend hours practicing, striking padded surfaces and eventually wood. They also practice balance and coordination.
History of Karate
The history of Karate is fascinating because it did not originate in any one place, nor was it invented by just one person. The history of Karate is more complex; it was slowly developed and influenced by various sources over centuries. Eventually, it formed into the martial art we all know today.
A Timeline of Karate
- 1372 Okinawa, Japan
The roots of Karate can be traced to the indigenous fighting system used in the Ryukyu Kingdom. In 1372, the Ming Dynasty in China established trade relations with the Ryukyu Kingdom. The Chinese brought with them their own fighting style, Kung Fu. The two styles were blended, however one uniform style did not happen. At this time it was a bunch of individuals who were each developing their own style of fighting.
- 1477 King Shō Shin
In 1477, King Shō Shin banned the use of weapons in Okinawa. As the story goes, this fed the interest in martial arts as people were looking for a weaponless way to defend themselves.
- 1609 Satsuma Clan Invades
The Satsuma clan of Japanese Samurai invaded Okinawa and were in power for 270 years. They prohibited the Okinawans from practicing martial arts during this period.
- Late 1700s-Early 1800s
In the late 1700s early 1800s, martial arts in Okinawa finally became more formalized. The name Tudi emerged, or Okinawan martial arts.
- 1936 Karate Gets Its Modern Name
Gichin Funakoshi is known as the Father of Modern Karate. He was invited to the Ministry of Education in Japan to give demonstrations. This led to a surge in popularity, and Gichin’s style became known as Shotokan Karate
- 1939 Japan Opens First School
The first official Karate training school is opened and called Shoto-Kan.
- 1960s Karate Moves to the West
In the 1960’s and 1970’s Japanese instructors moved overseas, bringing Karate with them. The sport continued to evolve into the martial art we know today.
Want to Read More About Martial Arts?
Take a look at some of our other articles about martial arts and IMAA’s course offerings. Check out the following related blog articles:
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