Fudoshin Karate Club

The History of Karate

There are many theories regarding the early development of karate. The only fact that we can be sure of is that it was carried from the Chinese mainland to a small island that is now part of Japan called Okinawa before it appeared in the Japanese mainland. The more common theories are mentioned below. For further reading on the History and Theories of it's origins, see the Bubishi in the Resources section

 The Peasant Theory - This theory, mainly based in legend and folklore suggests that the oppressed Okinawan peasants developed their own method of defence by utilising their common tools, such as the sai (dibber), kama (sickles) and nunchuku (rice-flails). Although this may be related to the truth, it is extremely unlikely that this could have been the actual source of karate.

 The Weapons Ban - In 1507, Sho Shin-O an Okinawan king developed the 'Act of Eleven Distinctions'. This act is important as it prohibited the private ownership of weapons, which goes some way to explain the emergence of an unarmed method of defence. It is probable that such a method existed on the islands at this time but it took this event in Okinawa's history spread the practice due to the need to learn a system of self-defence.

 The Satsuma Occupation - In 1879, Okinawa became part of the Japanese empire. During this time the fighting methods developed, some of which undoubtedly incorporated the tools and implements mentioned previously. In fact, Togo Bizen No Kami was instructed by Lord Shimazu to teach the peasants and farmers self-defence to serve as a front line against invasion. The karate of a famous master of the time, Sokon Matsumuras, became Shuri-te and he taught Gichin Funakoshi, Azato Anko and Itosu Anko. All of the masters are mentioned in Gichin Funakoshi's book 'Karate-Do My Way Of Life'. Gichin Funakoshi is the founder of the Shotokan school that we practice at this dojo.

 The 36 families - In the late fourteenth century a contingent of Chinese families was established in Okinawa who were responsible for passing on various elements of Chinese culture. It is apparent from historical documents that the 'practising arts' included the martial arts.

(All pictures on this page are of O'Sensei Funakoshi Gichin)

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