| History
| Karate and several other martial arts can trace their origins as far
back as the 4th century C.E.. A Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma (a.k.a
Dharuma or Talmo) traveled to China to teach teach his brand of Buddhism
to monks there. Some accounts state that Bodhidharma was disappointed
when he realized that the monks were neglecting their health. He proceeded
to teach monks a set of exercises that served the dual purpose of strengthening
their bodies and developing self defense skills. Over the years, techniques
were added and to create highly effective fighting systems like the various
kung fu styles.
Modern karate evolved in the Okinawan (Ryukyu) islands. This chain of islands is found in the north Pacific Ocean just to the south-west of Japan.
In the 12th century, Okinawa was divided into many regions, each with its own ruler who built a gusuku (castle) and controlled the neighboring villages. Later, these regions unified into three main kingdoms. In 1429, King Sho Hashi united these three forces, creating the Ryukyu Kingdom. |
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During the Ryukyu Kingdom period, the karate developed and practiced in the Shuri region was called Shuri-te. The defense art that developed in the commercial center of Naha was called Naha-te and the combination of both was called Tomari-te since Tomari was located in the middle of both regions. In each region, famous bujins (experts on self defense techniques) developed and passed the tradition on to their descendants. This tradition continues today. | |
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As karate and kobudo were forbidden by the lords, their techniques were kept secret; and no literature about them have been written. The individual bujin's techniques were conveyed orally or by individual instructions to their direct descendants. | |
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After Okinawa was officially incorporated as a prefecture of Japan, new laws lifted the veil of secrecy and the education system of the Meiji era (1868-1912) adopted karate and kobudo aspart of their physical education program. Since then, karate and kobudo have been performed in public. In the Taisho period (1912-1926), they were introduced to mainland Japan, and in the early Showa period (1926-1988), they spread overseas. | |
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Okinawa Karate Kobudo Kai 500A Elmont NY 11003 (516) 326 0277 |
The rigorous training cultivates physical power and a keen mind, thus contributing to the well-being of the society. Karate and kobudo have greatly influenced education. They can be enjoyed as sports or used as self-defense arts. |
From
the 14th to the 16th century, (The Golden Trading Era), the Ryukyus
developed into a major trading center between China and other neighboring
countries. Sea voyages were necessary for the trading business, but
the Okinawans were threatened by pirates on the sea and bandits in foreign
lands. To ensure their own safety, Okinawans developed bujutsu (martial
arts technique). From this historical background, the unique forms of
Okinawan karate and kobudo were invented and systemized. The relationships
between Okinawa, China and other Southeast Asian countries helped to
develop and perfect these ancient defense arts into the Okinawan karate
(Okinawan hand or technique) as we know it today.
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After
World War II (1945), Okinawan karate was divided into four ryuhas: ShorinRyu,
Goju-Ryu,Uechi-Ryu and Matsubayashi-Ryu. Currently, there are many ryuha
and kaiha changing their styles and techniques, but their traditional
karate and kobudo of each ryuha and kaiha their own have kihon-kata
(basic kata) from which the attack and defense techniques are logically
derived.
The diverse elements and characteristics which make karate and kobudo popular throughout the world have instilled inspiration in the hearts of millions of people.