Brief history of Okinawan Karate and the rise of Shotokan:

Introduction: To begin I need to emphasize that I’m by no means a karate historian, nor wish to be known as one (or become one), but I was asked if I could concisely write an article on the history of karate “…leading up to the rise of the ‘Shotokan style' (from what I have been taught here in Japan over the years)". I’ve done this in under 1000 words, to conform with this request of conciseness.

 

Background: Indeed, as I’ve already stated, I’m not a karate academic, I’m a practicing karateka/student and instructor. Accordingly, the information presented here is not researched but ‘second hand’—directly, by word of mouth—from a variety of my seniors over the years. If nothing else, please note that my understanding of ‘karate history’ comes primarily from ‘JKA-style Shotokan’ Japanese masters; namely Asai Tetsuhiko, Nakamura Masamitsu, Osaka Yoshiharu, et al.

 

Brief history of Okinawa Karate and the rise of Shotokan:

Okinawa Prefecture, Japan—formerly known as ‘the Ryukyu Kingdom’—is located in central East Asia. It consists of 160 islands spanning more than 1000 kilometers of ocean. During its 450 years as a kingdom, between 1429 and 1897 it closely interacted with neighboring regions and, in doing so, these exchanges naturally led to and contributed towards its unique culture.

 

It was in this unique environment and from multiple influences that Tode, often simply referred to as ‘Te’ (‘Ti’)—the forerunner of modern day Karate came into existence.

 

The oldest known records of the art come from the eighteenth century, however, their factual clarity remains questionable due the secrecy of training at that time and before. That being said, what is known is that Okinawa had a very long history of its indigenous hand-to-hand combat systems; moreover, that these arts merged with various self-defense methodologies from China and elsewhere collectively formed the technical origins of Karate.

 

A major influence in this process was the exchange of knowledge via maritime trade.

 

Needless to say, the invasion of the Satsuma clan of Samurai, in 1609, was highly significant event in the history of Okinawa.

 

The tradition of Karate was already taught in very private manner, largely in secrecy, behind closed doors. Also, the teachings were traditionally only taught to individuals or small groups in the upper social classes.

 

In this regard and contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence to support that Karate was ‘practiced in secret’ as the result of a government ban. Rather, teachings were kept ‘in house’ by the different masters, with students taught based on their individual discerning.

 

In fact, in the early twentieth century Okinawa inaugurated an official Karate training program within its education system. To be precise, in the 34th year of Meiji (1901). The first institution with Karate in the school curriculum was Shuri Jinjo Gakko and the master coordinating the training was Itosu Anko Sensei. The following year (Meiji 35) Karate was introduced into the curriculum of the Okinawa Prefectural Teacher’s Training School. Three years later, in Meiji 38, an official Karate program was also implemented at junior high schools. As a result, Karate become a more open part of life in Okinawa.

 

In 1918, several famous experts formed a karate study group, the ‘Karate Kenkyukai’. Those included in this group included Funakoshi Gichin—who was made the president, Mabuni Kenwa, Miyagi Chojun, and others.

Masters Mabuni (SHITO-Ryu), Funakoshi (SHOTOKAN-Ryu) and Miyagi (GOJU-Ryu).

Three years later, in 1921, the Crown Prince Hirohito visited Okinawa during which, on March 6th, in the main courtyard of Shuri Castle, he witnessed a Karate demonstration led by Funakoshi Gichin Sensei.

 

The following year Funakoshi Sensei was invited to Tokyo to demonstrate Karate at Japan’s ‘First Physical Education Exhibition’ that was held between May 30th of April 30th of 1922. Funakoshi’s Sensei’s performance was critically acclaimed and resulted in a request for a demonstration at the Kodokan by Kano Jigoro Sensei, the founder of Judo. Kano Sensei by that time was already a highly influential figure in Japanese society with much power and a member of the nation's International Olympic movement; thus, his patronage all but guaranteed the acceptance of Karate in mainland Japan.

 

The demonstration at the Kodokan was a major success and resulted in Funakoshi Sensei giving demonstrations at various schools of swordsmanship including the Hekkitsukan, Musu Shinden Ryu, and many other groups.

 

The interest in Karate expanded so much that Funakoshi Sensei decided to stay in mainland Japan and continue to promote the art. Upon deciding to do this he moved into the Meishojuku, which was a hostel for students from Okinawa. It was here from which he began teaching a small group of students, amongst whom included Konishi Yasuhiro. Konishi was a teacher of Jujutsu and Kendo, moreover, had close ties with Keio University. Accordingly, he became a very important catalyst in the promotion of Karate.

 

In 1924 Funakoshi Sensei adopted the Kyu/Dan ranking system from Judo. Earlier he had also began utilizing a lighter version of the dogi used by Judoka.

 

 

Later in 1929 Funakoshi Sensei changed the name of Karate from 唐手 to 空手. This was reflective of Karate being recognized as a martial art of Japan; moreover, the mental state optimal for combat: mushin—emptiness. It is also the origin of name ‘Kanku’ from its opening movements; furthermore, the opening of Unsu which signifies ‘Hutsuun jindou’—“Parting the Clouds, Seeking the Way”.

 

Ten years later on January 29th, of 1939, Japan’s first full-time purpose-built dojo was opened: ‘the Shoto Kan’ (‘The House of Shoto’). It was officially named after Master Funakoshi’s pen name, in his poetry and calligraphy, to honor his promotion and stewardship of the art. This is what led to his style, and teachings of Karate, to become labeled (by his senior students) as ‘Shotokan-Ryu’.

The 'Shoto Kan'.

While the ‘Shoto Kan’ was burnt to the ground several years later in one of the massive bombings of Tokyo in World War Two, the skills handed down in the dojo survived by its members. Consequently, due to this and its technical excellence, Shotokan-Ryu (the karate of 'the Shoto Kan') went on to become, by far, the most popular and widespread karate style in the world. — André

Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei, the greatest propagator of the SHOTOKAN style post WW2.

 © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2022).