Karate, a dynamic martial art with roots in Okinawa, has a rich and fascinating history that reflects the cultural exchanges and adaptations of different fighting systems over centuries.
Origins of Karate
Karate began as a common fighting system known as te (Okinawan: ti) among the Pechin class of the Ryukyuans. In 1372, trade relations were established with the Ming dynasty of China by King Satto of Chūzan, leading to the introduction of various forms of Chinese martial arts to the Ryukyu Islands. Around 1392, a significant influx of Chinese families moved to Okinawa, particularly from Fujian Province, for cultural exchange. This led to the establishment of the Kumemura community, where knowledge of diverse Chinese arts and sciences, including martial arts, was shared.
The political centralization of Okinawa by King Shō Hashi in 1429 and the weapons ban imposed by King Shō Shin in 1477 (which was later enforced after the invasion by the Shimazu clan in 1609) also played a pivotal role in the evolution of unarmed combat techniques in the region.
Development of Styles
Initially, there were no formal styles of te; rather, many practitioners developed their own methods. Notable early styles of karate can be categorized as Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te, named after the three cities from which they emerged. Each area and its respective teachers contributed unique kata, techniques, and principles, distinguishing their local versions of te.
Members of Okinawa’s upper class frequently traveled to China to study various disciplines. This resulted in the incorporation of empty-handed Chinese Kung Fu into Okinawan martial arts, driven by both cultural exchanges and legal restrictions on weapon use. Traditional karate kata share significant similarities with forms found in Fujian martial arts, such as Fujian White Crane, Five Ancestors, and Gangrou-quan (Hard Soft Fist; pronounced “Gōjūken” in Japanese). Additionally, many Okinawan weapons, like the sai, tonfa, and nunchaku, may have origins in Southeast Asia.
Influential Figures in Karate History
One of the key figures in the development of karate was Sakukawa Kanga (1782–1838), who studied pugilism and staff (bo) fighting in China. In 1806, he began teaching a fighting art in Shuri known as “Tudi Sakukawa,” meaning “Sakukawa of China Hand.” This marks the first recorded reference to the art of “Tudi” (唐手).
Around the 1820s, Sakukawa’s notable student, Matsumura Sōkon (1809–1899), synthesized te styles (Shuri-te and Tomari-te) with Shaolin (Chinese 少林) styles. Matsumura’s teachings laid the groundwork for the Shōrin-ryū style of karate.
Matsumura taught his art to Itosu Ankō (1831–1915), who adapted two forms from Matsumura, creating simplified kata known as the ping’an forms (referred to as “heian” or “pinan” in Japanese). In 1901, Itosu played a crucial role in introducing karate into Okinawa’s public schools, allowing the practice to spread among young students. His influence is profound, as many of the forms he created are common across nearly all karate styles. Itosu’s students included renowned karate masters such as Gichin Funakoshi, Kenwa Mabuni, and Motobu Chōki. Often referred to as “the Grandfather of Modern Karate,” Itosu’s legacy endures in the martial art today.
In 1881, Higaonna Kanryō returned from China after studying under Ryu Ryu Ko and founded what would evolve into Naha-te. His prominent student, Chōjun Miyagi, later established the Gojū-ryū style of karate, which has produced many distinguished karateka, including Seko Higa and Miyazato Ei’ichi.
Another significant figure was Kanbun Uechi (1877–1948), who, seeking to escape military conscription, traveled to Fuzhou in Fujian Province. There, he studied under Shū Shiwa, a leading figure of the Chinese Nanpa Shorin-ken style. Uechi later developed his own style, Uechi-ryū, based on the Sanchin, Seisan, and Sanseiryu kata he had mastered.
Conclusion
The history of karate is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of martial arts through cultural exchanges, social changes, and the dedication of countless practitioners over the centuries. Today, karate continues to evolve while honoring its rich heritage, making it a globally respected martial art.