Jul 04, 2008 11:57:45am

Karate

The long history of Karate had its beginnings in the 6th century when Indian Monk Bodhidharma traveled to China spreading the word of Zen Buddhism. Settling in a Shaolin monastery, he began to teach the monks who were too weak to follow his strict meditation regime, a series of physical exercises. When the monastery was visited by politician and military leaders, the exercises were seen as having possible martial applications and over time were developed into a fighting system known as Kung Fu.

In 1392, a group of families from China settled in Okinawa, bringing with them a knowledge of Kung Fu. The Okinawans adapted and further developed the art. This evolution was known as Te (hand). At different points in history, weapon bans were imposed on the Okinawans, which encouraged the refinement of empty-handed fighting techniques. Over time, different styles developed to suit different practitioners - Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te. Collectively, they were called Okinawa-Te or Tode (Chinese Hand). The Chinese character used to write Tode can also be pronounced ‘kara’. The name Te was replaced with Kara Te.

Okinawan teacher Gichin Funakoshi introduced Karate to the Okinawan school system, and in 1921, he led the first public demonstration of Karate in Japan. The Japanese were greatly impressed, and among the observers was Crown-Prince Hirohito who was very impressed with the Okinawan art. In 1922, Dr. Jano Kano, who founded the Japanese art of Judo, invited Funakoshi to teach karate in Japan. During the period of the1920’s to the 1940’s what was to become known as “Shotokan Karate” was developed by Funakoshi and his students, especially his son, Yoshitaka. Certain changes in the art were necessary in order for Karate to be accepted as a Japanese art and not just an Okinawan import. The characters used to spell Karate were changed so that the meaning became “empty hand” rather than “Chinese hand” and a standardized grading system and a standardized training uniform were adopted.

During the Second World War, many of the top Karate experts were either killed or stopped training. In 1948, some of the top remaining Karate experts held a meeting in Japan to standardize what was being taught. This meeting resulted in the formation of the Japan Karate Association (JKA), with Funakoshi as chief instructor.

From the 1950’s on, Karate has spread throughout the world. As Shotokan Karate was being promoted in Japan so were many other forms being developed that are equally valid. Today there are many styles and organizations in existence. The art is now practiced by countries and cultures far removed from Japan with various forms and variations.

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