This section focusses on the origins and development of Shotokan Karate, firstly how it evolved. Although this style is considered a Japanese style, the roots of Karate can actually be originally traced back to China. In 14th century Okinawa (An Island off the coast of Japan), visitors from China introduced some techniques from their martial arts knowledge. Later, wealthy Okinawans were able to travel to China and become more skilled in these styles. These styles included: five ancestors, Fujian White Crane and Gangrou quan. Some of these techniques are evident in Karate Kata practiced today. As like most Asian Martial Arts, it is said that Shotokan Karate developed from ancient priests battling and defending themselves against attacks from members of opposing faiths. They used Yoga and meditation as a base for martial arts. Shotokan karate is a 'hard' (physical / external) Martial Arts style.
The pictured diagram may prove useful to refer to whilst reading this page.
The history of Shotokan Karate
The ancient Bhodidharma (or Daruma) travelled from India to China during the fifth century. He arrived at the Shaolin-Szu monastery and taught students his yoga techniques. The aim of these students was to achieve enlightenment for the body and soul. Initially, the students could not cope with the level of physical activity. In order to build up stamina and skill they were trained in Shorin-ji Kempo (Chinese fighting system). The shaolin-Szu temple quickly rose to become a respected fighting school.
Kempo philosophy is also linked to alternative medicine in that vital parts are used in acupuncture practice. These areas were later used as targets for attack using karate techniques. The fighting art spread throughout the country of China. It soon spread to the island of Okinawa (circa 14th century), which is the main part of the Ryukyu chain.
'Te' (within Kara-te) was a pre-existing form of combat in Okinawa and this is based on hand techniques. Te was misused when soldiers started carrying weapons. However the art regained respect once the weapons were outlawed. The styles of Te and Kempo were eventually combined to form Tang Hand.
The term Karate came about in the twentieth century. Matsumura and Gusukuma were the men from Okinawa who would teach masters Azato and Itosu Anko. These two school teachers introduced karate to the Okinawan school system in 1902. One of their most important students was called Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957). He was an expert in Tang Hand and gave a few demonstrations in Japan. In creating Karate, he also used techniques from Ju Jitsu.
The concept of ‘kara’ was to empty the mind of all thoughts. He also incorporated Zen Buddhism into his practice. Funakoshi’s nickname was ‘Shoto’ and hence his style was named Shotokan. It is the world’s most popular form of Karate. In 1922 the Japanese ministry of education invited Funakoshi to take part in a demonstration of ancient Japanese martial arts. It is said that Shotokan was officially born in 1936. Not long after news of this was spreading around the globe to the western world. Ohshima is deemed to have introduced Shotokan to the USA around 1955.
He then went on to teach his techniques to many other influential martial artists. Later other styles such as shitoryu, gojuryu, shukokai, kyokushinkai and wadoryu developed. Funakoshi incorporated the kyu and dan grade system similar to that developed by the founder of Judo (Jigoro Kano).
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