Karate

Okinawan roots: te and tōde

In Okinawa, an indigenous fighting tradition already existed that was called te or tī . From the late Middle Ages onward, intensive contact with China developed. Merchants, immigrants, envoys, and students brought knowledge from Fujian and other parts of China. These exchanges gave rise to traditions that were later described under names such as tōde and Okinawa-te .

There is no single account of the precise origins of karate. Theories refer to mēkata, Chinese martial arts via Kume and trade and tribute missions, and development within the Ryukyuan samurai and civil servant class. Researchers take a nuanced view of the influence of historical regulations concerning weapons.

Regional traditions and important masters

The early history is often summarized as Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te. Shuri-te and Tomari-te form the basis of many Shōrin-ryū and Shotokan traditions, while Naha-te became an important source for Gōjū-ryū. Kanga Sakugawa, Matsumura Sōkon, Kanryō Higaonna, Chōjun Miyagi, and Kanbun Uechi represent different links in this development.

Ankō Itosu helped introduce karate 1905 into Okinawan education and developed the Pinan kata for beginners. His students later formed a large part of modern karate history.

The name karate-dō and modernization in Japan

The written form changed from 唐手, ‘Tang hand’, to 空手, ‘empty hand’. The suffix dō means ‘way’ or ‘path’ and emphasizes that karate is not only about fighting technique, but also about personal development and self-knowledge.

Gichin Funakoshi presented karate in Tokyo in 1922. His teaching was later associated with Shotokan. Motobu Chōki emphasized practical application and kumite. Kenwa Mabuni, Chōjun Miyagi, Hironori Ōtsuka, and Kanbun Uechi also brought Okinawan traditions to Japan.

Uniforms, colored belts, and the kyū-dan ranking system were adopted from the broader budō culture. Initially, the emphasis was strongly on kata; later, teachers developed various forms of prearranged and free kumite.

Philosophy and styles

Funakoshi emphasized humility, courtesy, and self-control. The principle ‘karate ni sente nashi’, often translated as ‘there is no first attack in karate’, sums up this defensive attitude. The four major Japanese styles mentioned in many international competition contexts are Gōjū-ryū, Shitō-ryū, Shōtōkan, and Wadō-ryū. In addition, there are Shōrin-ryū, Uechi-ryū, Isshin-ryū, Motobu-ryū, and Kyokushin.

Okinawa and the formation of karate

The foundations of karate were formed in Okinawa through the interaction between te, Okinawa-te and Chinese martial arts. Many details are based on later accounts, and not all sources agree.

Teaching and systematization in Japan

From 1905 karate was taught in Okinawan schools. In 1922 Funakoshi brought the art to Tokyo. Universities, dōjō and Japanese budō organizations then played a major role in its spread.

Kumite, competition and full-contact

Okinawan training methods already included partner work and controlled applications. In Japan, these developed into prearranged kumite, free sparring and formal competitions. WKF kumite uses controlled contact and point scoring, while Kyokushin and other full-contact organizations follow their own knockdown rules.

Global spread

After the Second World War, karate spread through Japanese teachers, universities, military contacts and local pioneers to every continent. From 1965 onward, JKA instructors such as Taiji Kase, Keinosuke Enoeda, Hirokazu Kanazawa and Hiroshi Shirai made a major contribution to its spread in Europe.

Modern sport

Karate was included in the program of Tokyo 2020 and had previously been featured at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. It was not part of Paris 2024. International development continues through world championships, continental championships and professional circuits.

Etymology and development of the name

The oldest term te means ‘hand’ in Okinawan. Tōde became associated with ‘Tang hand’ and referred to Chinese influence. In the twentieth century, 空手 became the standard way of writing ‘empty hand’. The term karate-dō also emphasized the idea of a way of life and character development.

Kata and Chinese connections

Some Gōjū-ryū kata have names associated with numbers: Suparinpei with 108, Gojūshiho with 54, Sanseru with 36, and Seipai with 18. The explanations vary. A direct connection to Zen Buddhism is not undisputed and should be presented as an interpretation, not as an established fact.

Styles and character

Shotokan often uses long stances and powerful, linear techniques. Gōjū-ryū combines hard and soft methods, breathing, and circular movements. Shitō-ryū has a broad kata repertoire. Wadō-ryū emphasizes evasion and tai sabaki. Uechi-ryū retains strong Chinese influences. Kyokushin is known for full-contact and knockdown.

Kata as stylistic memory

Kata convey historical information, but their names, order, and execution differ between styles. Pinan or Heian, Naihanchi or Tekki, Kusanku or Kankū, Seisan, Sanchin, Seipai, and Suparinpei may therefore take a different form in different traditions.

Ranks, exams and competition organizations

The kyū ranking system runs from student grades to dan grades. Exams may include kihon, kata, bunkai, self-defense, tameshiwari and kumite. Requirements vary by style, school and organization.

The WKF organizes international kata and kumite competitions. The WUKF provides an international framework in which multiple styles and federations can participate. Full-contact organizations such as Kyokushin use their own rules for knockdowns and impact.

Philosophy and dōjō kun

The essence of karate-dō lies not only in winning, but in discipline, humility, courage, respect, and self-control. The dōjō kun translates these values into guidelines for training and daily life.

Funakoshi linked karate to a clear mind, openness to criticism, and restraint outside the training hall. Practitioners learn to develop strength without using it unnecessarily.