The human drive for survival has led to the development of self defense techniques in cultures throughout the world.  The roots of Karate can be traced back to the very origins of civilization in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.  Depictions of martial arts training in artifacts from these cultures resemble techniques used in modern karate.  It is difficult to definitively prove that there is a direct link between the martial arts practiced in the ancient Middle East and modern Okinawan Karate. Some historians, however, have posited different theories about a connection.  It is not out of the realm of possibility that martial arts techniques were part of the cultural diffusion that occurred from trade between the ancient Middle East and India.

India was instrumental in the development of the early Chinese martial art of kempo (empty hand techniques).  Kempo is one fighting style that has greatly influenced the development of karate.  Tradition holds that Boddhidarma, a monk from India’s warrior caste, brought both Buddhism and Indian martial arts to China.  He spent 9 years at the Shaolin temple meditating, teaching, and training.  He is credited with introducing 18 kata, new physical exercises, breathing techniques, and severe training methods to the Shaolin monks.  His instruction at the temple fostered the birth of Chinese kempo.  His teachings and writings also make up the fundamental precepts of present day karate-do.

  The Okinawans had a native martial art called te (hand) that predated the introduction of Chinese kempo to the island.  Te is believed to be over a thousand years old.  Kempo was brought to Okinawa through trade with China and meshed with te to give rise to the art of karate.  Bare handed self defense became ever more important for Okinawans in the 15th century when all weapons were banned and confiscated by the king.  Later the Japanese invaded the island and maintained the weapons ban.  Okinawans used the developing art of karate for both self defense and as a means of developing spiritual inner strength to cope with the physical and mental hardships imposed by their foreign oppressors.  This principal of developing spiritual, mental and physical strength is still an integral part of karate training.

Although many people were instrumental in the early development of karate, the most important grand master is Higaonna Kanryo Sensei.  He developed a style of martial arts known as Naha-te.  Naha was the name of the village in which he lived.  Higaonna Kanryo Sensei traveled to China and spent 12 or 13 years there mastering various martial arts.  He brought back 9 kata from China to Okinawa.  His training included endless practice of sanchin, lifting nigiri-game (heavy ceramic jars), repetitive practice of unsoko-ho (stepping movements), lifting and striking natural stone, makiwara (striking post) training, and close fighting drills.  His training developed muscles of forged steel, legs of extraordinary spring, and hands as quick as lightning.  His skill earned him the nickname Kensei, or “sacred fists”.  Higaonna Sensei’s fame as a martial artist grew, but he never fought to show off his skill and maintained the modest and quiet demeanor of the best martial artists.  Today, Higaonna Sensei is revered as the founder of Okinawan karate.

Miyagi Chojun Sensei was the disciple of Higaonna Sensei.  Miyagi Sensei is responsible for founding the style of karate known as Goju Ryu (hard soft).  Miyagi Sensei trained under Higaonna Sensei for 13 years and took care of Higaonna Sensei in his old age until his death.  Miyagi Sensei traveled to China for further martial arts training the same year that Higaonna Sensei died.  Upon his return to Okinawa, Miyagi Sensei developed three new kata: Gekisai dai ichi, Gekisai dai ni, and Tensho.  He created the new kata to aid students in learning karate and to emphasize the “soft” elements of the art.  Miyagi Sensei is responsible for naming Goju Ryu and promoting its practice to other parts of Japan and the rest of the world.  He demonstrated his art for the Emperor of Japan, set up the first Karate Research Club, performed at major Japanese martial arts tournaments, trained police, and traveled to China and Hawaii for demonstrations.  During his life he received numerous awards, commendations, and accolades for the perfection of his martial art style.

World War II was a tragic period for the history of Karate.  Okinawa saw some of the fiercest fighting in the closing period of the war.  Miyagi Sensei lost his senior disciple in the war and stopped teaching.  Following the war, Okinawan karate spread quickly to the Japanese mainland and Miyagi Sensei went to the mainland to teach Goju Ryu.  Due to his artistic mastery of kata and karate techniques, people in Okinawa referred to Miyagi Sensei as “Gentlemen warrior Miyagi”.  He is respected throughout the world as one of karate’s greatest authorities.

History compiled from: Morio Higaonna’s, Traditional Karate do Fundamental 1Techniques Okinawa Goju Ryu