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The exact origin of Karate is still a mystery, but it is known to be thousands of years old. According to folklore, Indian warriors defended themselves on the battlefield without weapons. The techniques they used, as depicted in ancient artwork and sculptures, are believed to closely resemble those of modern-day Karate.
Other sources say that Karate began to spread in China. Around 500 A.D., a Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma (founder of Zen Buddhism) developed self-defense techniques so that he could protect himself from robbers without having to use weapons. He eventually traveled to China's Shaolin Temple, where the monks eagerly adopted his techniques into their formal training. At the same time, peasants also trained in these empty-handed techniques, later became known as Kung Fu, to protect their land from warring lords. It is believed that when the Japanese occupied Okinawa island (located south of Japan) and prohibited weapons use in the 1600s, the Okinawan peasants sought Kung Fu instruction from skilled Chinese fighters. The Japanese adapted the techniques into their own form of empty-handed combat called Te. After 300 years, these fighting methods were brought to Japan.
Karate
Comes to Japan
Curious, the Japanese had invited the Okinawans to demonstrate their self-defense
methods. In 1922, teacher Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) was sent to Tokyo,
Japan. He had previously combined several of the methods he learned into
one style, called "Shotokan," which he shared during his visit.
The Japanese were impressed and called it "Karate," thus Funakoshi
was given the name "Father of Modern Karate." Karate spread
quickly throughout the county and became part of school and army curriculum.
Modern
Karate
After World War II, many Americans stationed in Japan were exposed to
Karate. They brought what they had learned back to the U.S. In the following
years, movies increasingly popularized the art, and sparked the public's
interest. The Federation of Karate Organizations was founded in 1964 to
establish a unified system of forms, rankings, and rules of competition,
and to correspond with overseas Karate associations. In 1999, Karate debuted
as a medal sport at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada. Currently,
it is one of the most popular martial arts in the United States and around
the world.
Presently, Karate is taught as a self-defense, exercise, and competitive sport. There are an infinite number of names and styles, but most are categorized as either Okinawan or Japanese Karate - indicating the Karate styles developed before and after Funakoshi's visit to Japan. Okinawan styles emphasize use of the whole body, circular blocks, grabbing, high stances, and controlling techniques. Japanese styles emphasize use of the fist and foot, direct blocks, low stances, and powerful blows to end attacks. Neither is better than the other; it is simply a matter of personal preference. Currently, the major Karate styles practiced include both Okinawan and Japanese. They are: Shotokan and Wado-ryu (Japanese) and Shito-ryu and Goju-ryu (Okinawan).
Shotokan
Master Gichin Funakoshi, the so-called "Father of Karate", developed
Shotokan style Karate. Generally, Shotokan stresses the development of
the kime, or the maximum amount of concentration on a specific spot at
a given time. Additionally, maximum power is produced by swift and direct
blows that use the arms, hands, legs, and feet equally. A series of movements
called "kata" are highly used in this style to teach self-defense.
Wado-ryu
Master Hironori Ohtsuka (1892-1982) founded Wado-ryu Karate in 1934. Ohtsuka
developed this style after studying the Jiu-jitsu martial art and Shotokan
style. His resulting combination of elements from both is considered to
be a more natural and softer means of self-protection, as well as the
first style of Karate created by a Japanese man as a martial art form.
Wado-ryu (also known as Wado-Ryu Karate-Do), means "way of peace"
or "way of harmony." It reflects Ohtsuka's intended purpose
for the style-to be a means of solving problems in a non-violent way.
Wado-ryu is fast-paced and emphasizes evading attack, instead of directly
reacting to it. Comprised of light and quick techniques, it mainly uses
deflection and counterattack.
Shito-ryu
Master Kenwa Mabuni (1887-1952), an Okinawan born descended of so-called
"Bushi" (warrior) class, founded Shito-ryu in the 1930s. He
had originally named the style "Hanko-ryu," meaning half-hard
style, but later changed it to honor two of his teachers. Shito-ryu resembles
the Shotokan and Goju-ryu Karate styles in its long, linear styles, stances,
and breathing. However, this artistic and powerful style is different
because of its affiliation with Kobudo, the weapon arts, and Iaido, the
sword-drawing-arts.
Goju-ryu
Master Miyagi Chojun (1888-1953) founded Goju-ryu in 1930. Around 1931,
he introduced it to Master Yamaguchi Gogen (1909-1989), who later succeeded
him after his death in 1952. Gogen, who is known as "The Cat"
for his long hair and feline characteristics, had great interest in meditation
and karate. He often meditated at the foot of a waterfall, because it
spiritually awakened him. Therefore, he incorporated both force (Go) and
softness (Ju) into the Goju-ryu techniques, combining expressiveness and
power. Goju-ryu stresses the synchronization of breathing and movements,
and its kata are performed slowly. Goju-ryu continues to be taught by
Yumaguchi and his three sons.
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