The Origins of Karate

The exact origins of karate are not well-documented. Karate is believed to have evolved from *ti*, a native fighting practice of Okinawa. That particular style and the Okinawan wrestling system of Tegumi were not enough to secure the Okinawan Kingdom. Eventually, nobles from Okinawa learned Shaolin Kung Fu in China and blended it with proven techniques from Ti and Tegumi to make it more adaptable to any threat presented during that time. During the reign of Ryukyu King Sho Shin (1477–1526), *ti* flourished and was practiced by the ruling classes in the capital, Shuri, cementing its importance in the kingdom's culture. As martial arts was the fighting technology and security of most nations during that time, it was held as a closely guarded system reserved for palace guards and nobility. 

 

In 1609, the Satsuma Domain (present-day Kagoshima) invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom, enforcing a ban on the possession of weapons by its citizens. During that time, Ti, or “Te” continued to evolve without weapons. It eventually became known as Karate or “Empty Hand”. “Kara” means empty, and “Te” means hand. Its new name connotes adaptability: the philosophy of emptiness changes form as required, able to meet any threat as needed. 

 

Some of the earliest karate masters include Sokon Matsumura, Kanryo Higaonna, and Kosaku Matsumora, each practicing slightly different styles. The early forms of karate were known as Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te, noting which particular village or region that method of Karate was from. While they all used the same principles, they varied slightly from each other due to individual preferred methods or experiences of the practitioners. 

 

Following the dissolution of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1879 by the Meiji government of Japan, new karate schools developed, leading to greater diversification of the art. Notable karate masters like Anko Itosu played a crucial role in modernizing karate and making it accessible to the public. As Okinawa integrated into Japan, karate experienced a surge in popularity both on the mainland and internationally.

 

With the spread of karate, it became more localized, leading to the development of various new styles. In Okinawa, the three main schools that emerged were Shorin-ryu (derived from Shuri-te and Tomari-te), Goju-ryu (derived from Naha-te), and Uechi-ryu (influenced by Pangai-noon kung fu, founded by Kanbun Uechi).

 

After World War II, there was increased flexibility regarding styles and the establishment of dojos, allowing them to be set up more independently. This facilitated the rapid spread of karate. Students from Okinawan karate practitioners opened dojos in mainland Japan, and American military personnel stationed in Okinawa often took their karate skills back home. Significant emigration from Okinawa to North America, South America, and Europe during this period further spread karate, with many emigrants taking their skills abroad. Numerous dojos around the world maintain strong connections with Okinawa, karate's spiritual home.

 

In recent years, there has been a notable rise in the popularity of *kumite* (sparring), and kata was included in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Furthermore, more karate practitioners, or karateka, are traveling to Okinawa to visit the birthplace of this martial art.

 

In summary, Karate as we understand it today is a blend of the Okinawan native fighting styles of Ti and Tegumi (Okinawan Wrestling), along with Shaolin Kung Fu serving as its mainframe. This blend of different fighting methods evolved into a more complete fighting system. It ultimately became an adaptable style that evolved to deal with various fighting styles from the region. Not only did it change slowly to meet the needs of the time, but it continues to mature and develop in the modern age. It should be considered a living art, taking advantage of a battle-proven history, while evolving to meet the needs of current-day combat and self-defense.