History of Karate
Karate or karate-do is a form of budo (way of the warrior). It is a Japanese martial art that originated in Okinawa and was introduced to the main islands of the Japanese archipelago in 1922. Karate emphasises striking techniques (such as punches and kicks) over grappling techniques.
The Three Pillars of Practice
Karate practice is based on three fundamental components:
- Kihon (基本): The study and repetition of basic movements, the foundation of all technique.
- Kumite (組手): Means "sparring" and is the practical application of techniques with a partner, performed either in a set form or freely (randori).
- Kata (型): Means "form" and is a sequence of movements simulating a fight against imaginary opponents, essential for the development of technique and spirit.
Origins and Evolution
Originally, the word "karate" was written with ideograms meaning "Chinese hand" (唐手), reflecting the influence of the Tang dynasty. Today, the more common meaning is "empty hand" (空手), and Karate-do translates as "the way of the empty hand". It is believed the art is a fusion of Chinese fighting techniques, brought to Okinawa by merchants, with the native Okinawan fighting art known as Te (hand).
In 1820, master Sokon Matsumura blended the local styles (Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te), but it was his own students who, by perfecting and adapting the techniques, created new variations. It was Gichin Funakoshi, a student of one of Matsumura’s disciples, who introduced and popularised Karate in mainland Japan.
Modernisation in Japan
Funakoshi was responsible for changing the written name to "empty hand", a strategic move to integrate the art into Japanese budo culture and distance it from foreign origins during a period of strong nationalism. Karate was popularised and introduced in secondary schools before the Second World War.
Like many Japanese martial arts, Karate made its transition to Karate-do at the start of the 20th century. The "do" (way) brings deep elements of Zen Buddhism to practice, sometimes called "Zen in motion". Modernisation also included the adoption of the white uniform (keikogi) and coloured belts to indicate grade, both popularised by Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo.
