Karate

King Sho Shin

Karate ShuriCastle

Karate in Naha before the war

Funakoshi Gichin

Motobu king1925

Masters of Karate

Karate is a martial art that originated in the Ryukyu Kingdom, which was annexed by Japan in the 19th century. It developed from the indigenous Ryukyuan martial arts under the influence of Kung Fu, particularly Fujian White Crane. Karate is now predominantly a striking art using punching, kicking, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and open-hand techniques such as knife-hands, spear-hands, and palm-heel strikes. In some styles, grappling, throws, joint locks, restraints, and vital point strikes are also taught.

History

Karate began as a common fighting system known as te among the Pechin class of the Ryukyuans. After trade relationships were established with the Ming dynasty of China in 1372, some forms of Chinese martial arts were introduced to the Ryukyu Islands by the visitors from China, particularly Fujian Province. A large group of Chinese families moved to Okinawa around 1392 for the purpose of cultural exchange, where they established the community of Kumemura and shared their knowledge of a wide variety of Chinese arts and sciences, including the Chinese martial arts.

The political centralization of Okinawa by King Shō Hashi in 1429 and the policy of banning weapons, implemented by King Shō Shin in 1477, are factors that furthered the development of unarmed combat techniques in Okinawa. These techniques were collectively known as Te, a Ryukyuan term for hand, and over time, Te became more structured and formalized into what we now know as karate.

Styles and Influences

Karate can be broadly categorized into four styles: Shōtōkan, Wadō-ryū, Shitō-ryū, and Gōjū-ryū. Each style has its own emphasis on various techniques and principles, but all share the common goal of self-improvement, discipline, and self-defense.

Shōtōkan

Shōtōkan, founded by Gichin Funakoshi, is characterized by deep, long stances and powerful linear movements. It emphasizes form (kata), sparring (kumite), and basics (kihon).

Wadō-ryū

Wadō-ryū, founded by Hironori Ōtsuka, is a blend of Shōtōkan and traditional Japanese martial arts. It emphasizes body shifting to avoid attacks and counterattacks rather than meeting force with force.

Shitō-ryū

Shitō-ryū, founded by Kenwa Mabuni, is known for its emphasis on a wide variety of kata, incorporating elements from both Shōrin-ryū and Shōrei-ryū, which are the two main branches of Okinawan karate.

Gōjū-ryū

Gōjū-ryū, founded by Chōjun Miyagi, focuses on hard (Go) and soft (Ju) techniques. It emphasizes breathing correctly in all of the katas and incorporates both circular and linear movements.

Training

Karate training is divided into three main sections: - Kihon (basics), which includes the fundamental techniques of punching, kicking, and blocking. - Kata (forms), which are pre-arranged sequences of movements that simulate combat against multiple opponents. - Kumite (sparring), which can range from predetermined drills to free sparring.

Karate and the Olympics

Karate was featured in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, marking a significant milestone in the sport's history. It was included as a demonstration sport, showcasing both kata and kumite events.

Cultural Impact

Karate has had a significant cultural impact worldwide, not only as a sport and a method of self-defense but also through its influence on popular culture, including films, television, and literature. It promotes values such as perseverance, respect, humility, and discipline.