A more detailed history of karate can be found here: A history of Karate, Styles and Masters
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The history of karate begins on Okinawa Island, part of the Ryukyu archipelago, rather than directly in mainland Japan. The indigenous fighting method of Okinawa was initially called “Te” (or “Ti”), meaning “hand” or “technique”. This art developed over centuries, likely for self-protection, and was significantly influenced by Chinese martial arts, specifically quanfa (later known as kempō). The influence became more pronounced after trade relations with China began in 1372 and with the arrival of the “Thirty-Six Families” from China in 1393, many of whom brought Fujian White Crane quanfa. Political events, such as King Sho Shin’s ban on martial arts in 1477 and the Satsuma invasion in 1609 which led to a weapons ban, further spurred the secret development of unarmed combat and kobudō (traditional Okinawan weapon arts). Over time, three main local methods emerged, associated with specific population centers in southern Okinawa Island: Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te. These methods, though often seen as distinct, had significant overlap and were taught by masters such as Kanga Sakugawa (associated with Shuri-te) and Higaonna Kanryō (associated with Naha-te).
A major shift in karate’s development occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as it transitioned from a secretive art to a public discipline. Itosu Ankō (1830-1916), a key figure from Shuri-te, was instrumental in this change, introducing karate into the Okinawan school system around 1902-1905 and simplifying existing kata to facilitate instruction to larger groups. This marked a shift in emphasis towards general physical, mental, and spiritual fitness rather than solely combative uses. Subsequently, Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) is widely recognised for introducing Okinawan karate to mainland Japan, first demonstrating the art in Tokyo in 1915 and then permanently relocating there in 1922. As karate gained acceptance in Japan, it underwent significant “Japanisation”. A pivotal meeting in Naha City in October 1936 formalised the change of the word “karate” from 唐手 (“Tang/Chinese hand”) to 空手 (“empty hand”), a decision influenced by growing Japanese nationalism and a desire to distance the art from its Chinese origins. During this period, elements like the karate-gi (uniform), belt ranking systems (dan and kyū grades), and the suffix “-dō” (meaning “way” or “path”) were adopted, often mirroring practices in established Japanese martial arts like judo and kendō, transforming it into “karate-dō”. This era also saw the formal naming and registration of distinct karate “styles” like Gōjū-ryū, Shōtōkan, Shitō-ryū, and Wadō-ryū, which had previously been less formally differentiated.
Following World War II, karate experienced further globalisation and commercialisation, with its rapid spread particularly in the United States and other Western countries. This period also saw a notable trend towards sport karate, with the development of competitive sparring (jiyu-kumite) and the eventual goal of becoming an Olympic sport. This shift altered the art’s purpose from its original focus on self-defence to include physical education, recreation, and competitive sport. While mainland Japanese karatedō embraced this sporting aspect, Okinawan masters often expressed concern about the potential loss of karate’s “genuine intention” and its “intangible cultural heritage”. Today, karate exists in various forms: “classical” Okinawan karate-jutsu (focused on self-protection), “traditional” Japanese karatedō (emphasizing form and self-perfection), and “modern” sport-oriented karate. There is ongoing debate and research into the complex and sometimes contested evolution of karate, highlighting the different motivations and influences that have shaped its long history.
A more detailed history of karate can be found here: A history of Karate, Styles and Masters
NOTE: These histories and overviews are derived from many sources. They are not meant to be comprehensive and may have inconsistencies due to inconsistencies in the sources. It is strongly recommended that those wishing to know more about karate history purchase and read the excellent recommended sources. A list of all sources used to support the above can be found here.
Karate Kata Step By Step 