Karate

Karate, also karate-dō (空手道), is a martial art that developed in the historic Ryukyu Kingdom, present-day Okinawa. The Okinawan tradition of te, literally “hand”, was influenced by Chinese martial arts over the centuries and later took on a new form on the Japanese mainland.

Karate is both a budō, a self-defense system, and a competitive sport. The foundation of training consists of kihon, kata and kumite. Each school emphasizes different aspects: Shotokan focuses on long stances and linear techniques, Gōjū-ryū on hard and soft, Wadō-ryū on evasion, and Kyokushin on full contact and knockdown.

From Okinawa, karate spread via Japan to Europe, North and South America, Asia, Oceania and Africa. It became part of the international competition circuit and made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020.

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 development 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 scoring, while Kyokushin and other full-contact organizations use their own knockdown rules.

Global spread

After the Second World War, karate spread through Japanese teachers, universities, military contacts and local pioneers to all continents. 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.

Karate as budō, self-defense and a sport

Karate can be practiced as a traditional martial art, self-defense, physical training or a competitive sport. One school may focus mainly on kata and character development, while another focuses on WKF kumite, Kyokushin, fitness or a combination of these.

Kihon, kata and bunkai

Kihon means basics or foundation. Kata are set movement patterns that combine stances, directions, techniques and transitions. With bunkai the karateka examines how movements can be applied against a partner.

Kumite and competition formats

Kumite means “meeting of the hands.” Yakusoku-kumite is prearranged, jiyū-kumite allows more freedom and shiai-kumite follows competition rules. In WKF kumite, technique, timing, distance, posture and controlled contact are assessed. In knockdown and full-contact karate, the emphasis is more on impact and effectiveness.

Dōjō kun, fitness and rank

The dōjō kun provides behavioral guidelines for the training hall and everyday life. Additional exercises such as hojo undō, makiwara and nigiri game are found mainly in Okinawan traditions. The kyū ranking system runs from student grades to dan grades; colors and examination requirements vary by style, school and organization.

From Okinawa to the world

Karate spread from Okinawa and Japan to almost every continent. Japanese teachers, university clubs, military personnel, and local pioneers established new dōjō. In Europe, Shotokan, Wadō-ryū, Gōjū-ryū, Shitō-ryū, and Kyokushin gained a broad following.

Europe, America, and Asia

France, Italy, and the United Kingdom became important European centers. In Canada and the United States, karate grew through Japanese immigration, military contacts, universities, and local teachers. In Korea, the relationship is historically sensitive because of Japanese colonial rule, while the karate experiences of early masters were among the influences on Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo.

Africa, Oceania, and popular culture

Karate also grew in Africa, with strong communities particularly in South Africa and Ghana. In Australia, the sport became more organized from the 1970s onward. Films, television, and video games such as The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai, and Street Fighter made karate recognizable worldwide.

Karate in MMA and on the Olympic stage

In MMA, Lyoto Machida, Bas Rutten, Georges St-Pierre, and Stephen Thompson have shown how karate distance, timing, footwork, and counters can be adapted to a broader combat-sports context. Karate was included in the Tokyo 2020 program, with kata and kumite as disciplines.

The introduction in the Netherlands

Dutch karate history is often associated with Jon Bluming, who began teaching in Amsterdam in 1961 after training in Japan. His Kyokushin approach was known for physical toughness, discipline, and full contact. Loek Hollander grew into another important Dutch Kyokushin pioneer.

From pioneers to organized sport

In the 1960s, Shotokan and Wadō-ryū also gained a foothold in the Netherlands. From the 1970s and 1980s onward, the need grew for federations, examinations, referees, competition rules, and training programs. The KBN became an important national organization for grassroots sport and competition karate, alongside style-specific and full-contact organizations.

Dutch competition tradition

The Netherlands produced strong karateka in various periods. Otti Roethof, Ludwig Kotzebue, Guusje van Mourik, and Kenneth Leeuwin are associated with historic international successes. In later periods, Ronny Rivano, Anthony Boelbaai, and Daniël Sabanovic are among those mentioned. The modern generation includes Geoffrey Berens, Lynn Snel, and Brian Timmermans, among others.

Karate in the Netherlands today

Dutch dōjō offer karate for youth, adults, recreationalists, self-defense practitioners, and competitive athletes. One school focuses mainly on kata and budō, while another focuses on WKF kumite, Kyokushin, conditioning, or para-karate. Those looking for a club should pay close attention to the lesson structure, level of contact, the instructor's qualifications, and their own goals.

The Netherlands and kickboxing

Dutch kickboxing history has clear links with karate. Jan Plas, Peter van den Hemel, and Jan van Looyen are often mentioned in accounts of the exchange between Kyokushin, Muay Thai, and the early Dutch kickboxing schools.

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.

Karate in film, television, and games

The global popularity of karate was boosted by The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai, martial arts films, and video games. Street Fighter made karate characters recognizable to a large arcade audience. The Matrix used Kenpo Karate as part of Neo’s fictional combat training. Such productions increase visibility, but popular culture often conflates karate with kung fu, taekwondo, and other Asian martial arts.

Famous film stars and styles

Actors and stunt performers are associated in sources with various styles, including Kyokushin, Shitō-ryū, Gōjū-ryū, Shotokan, Shōrin-ryū, and Shindō jinen-ryū. Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Jet Li come from different martial arts traditions; they should therefore not automatically be described as karate practitioners.

Why karate is more than technique

Karate develops body control, timing, a sense of distance, fitness, and mental resilience. In traditional schools, these skills are linked to character development; in competition schools, they are translated into tactics, speed, and decision-making under pressure.

The meaning of a technique depends on the context. A movement in kata may conceal a block, strike, lock, throw, or movement principle. That is why bunkai forms a bridge between the form and its practical application.