HISTORY OF KARATE

It is a historical fact that the Ryukyu Islands were the birth place of the art of karate. In or around 1429, the islands were unified under the monarch of chuzan, Sho Hashi. Sho Hashi moved the capital from Urasoe to Shuri, summoned all statesmen and scholars of the three kingdoms to his new capital and founded a centralized government which lasted almost two centuries. His successor, Sho Shin, 1477-1526, banned the possession and the use of weapons on the islands.

These edicts almost certainly fostered the development of unarmed combat techniques among the people of Okinawa, but they also kept it in secrecy. It is known that the art was carried down the generations in secrecy by the Shizoku (samurai class).

Karate was once referred to as to-te. The art of Te (hands) or bushi-no-te (warrior hands) in the Ryukyu Islands goes back in centuries. Other records refer to to-te as “Chinese hands”. The character “to” refers to the tang dynasty of 618-906 and can also be read as “Kara”. The first recorded demonstration of to-te in Okinawa is dated in 1761, but Chinese martial arts had probably proliferated on the islands.

It is however not certain whether Okinawa-te pre-dates to-te, but one common understanding is that “te” refers to an indigenous style of closed-fist combat and to-te refers to a style that incorporates open-hand techniques from china.

Karate first developed in Okinawa under two outstanding masters, Yasutune Azato and Anko Itosu. Gichin Funakoshi, founder of shotokan karate studied under the tutelage of these two masters.

In 1879, Okinawa was annexed as a prefecture of Japan. The samurai was abolished, western-styled military system was created, and many traditional customs like the top-knot hair style was eliminated all in an attempt to reach “equality” with the western world.

However between 1925-1935 there was a strong nationalism movement in Japan. It was during this period that many changes were made to the practice of karate. It was also during this period that the name “to-te” was changed to “karate”, meaning “empty hands”. During this same period many of the names of almost all the kata were changed. Pinan became Heian; naihanchi became tekki; wanshu became empi; koshokun became kanku; passai became bassai; among others. Only jion and jitte maintained their original names. Some modern schools or ryu however maintain their original names.

As karate grew and developed, many ryu (schools or styles) sprang up. Chojun Miyagi and Kenwa Mabuni created the goju-ryu and shito-ryu styles respectively, and in 1935 one of Funakoshi’s brilliant students broke away and created the wado-ryu system. Many other styles emerged (and are still emerging), but these four: shotokan, shito-ryu, goju-ryu and wado-ryu are the front runners of Japanese karate. Though karate has disintegrated into various styles, they all strive towards the attainment of the same goal i.e. development of human spirit through karate-do.

Funakoshi often used to say that karate was an unfinished art; it would continue to grow and change as man’s knowledge and circumstances grow and changed.



KATA

Kata is the sole of karate. A kata is a sequence of movements that contain several attack and defense techniques that are expressed in a practical manner.

Kata is a typical training form of East Asian Martial Arts. They were created by the ancient martial arts masters. In every kata there are a clear set of movements that the students can practice exclusively.

Kata were created by the ancient martial art masters, who understood these forms after years of researching, training and from real life combat experience. Ancient karate training was all about kata. It is said that a student was made to study one kata for a minimum of 3 years before being introduced to another one.

Kata is the foundation that teaches body stances, movements and the principles of using the arms and legs. Kata also teaches the proper way of breathing, tranquility, fighting spirit, rhythm change secure ness among others. The benefits of kata training cannot be over-emphasized.

Kata is the second pillar of karate. The other two are kihon and kumite. These three are independent and yet inseparable and together they make up the art of karate-do.

Below is a list of kata as used by the Shotokan School:
Heian means “peace and stability”. The word derived from the contraction of the words heiwa and antei.
1. Heian shodan
2. Heian nidan
3. Heian sandan
4. Heian yondan
5. Heian godan


Tekki means “iron horse men.”
6. Tekki shodan
7. Tekki nidan
8. Tekki sandan
9. Enpi/ Empi: flying swallow
10. Bassai Dai: penetrating the fortress-“big”
11. Bassai Sho: penetrating the fortress- “small”
12. Kanku Dai: look at the sky-“big”
13. Kanku Sho: look at the sky-“small”
14. Hangetsu: half moon
15. Jion: love (and) goodness
16. Jin: love (and) shadow
17. Jitte: ten hands
18. Meikyo: bright mirror
19. Niju shi ho: twenty four steps
20. Sochin: strength (and) calm
21. Gankaku: crane on the rock
22. Wankan: king (and) crown
23. Chinte: rare hand
24. Goju shi ho dai: fifty four steps-“big”
25. Goju shi ho sho: fifty four steps-“small”
26. Unsu: hands in the clouds
DOJO KUN & ETIQUETTE

Dojo Kun refers to the rules that govern the training hall. These rules were laid down by the Sakugawa Shugo, an Okinawa karate master. They were based on the Chinese dojo Kun which dates back to the time of Bodhidharma.

One: to seek the perfection of character
One: to follow the path of truth
One: to esteem etiquette
One: to admonish brute courage

The translation as used by:

Japan Karate Association (JKA)
Seek perfection of character
Be faithful
Endeavor
Respect others
Refrain from violent behavior




Shotokan Karate international (SKI)
One: to strive for the perfection of character
One: to defend the path of truth
One: to foster the spirit of effort
One: to honor the principles of etiquette
One: to guard against impetuous courage

These rules are recited at the end of the training section (Keiko) by the highest ranked student (sempai) and are repeated by the other students (kohai).
Following this is the salutation bow (rei)

First: to the altar of the ancestors (shinza) OR to the front (shomen). It all depends on the beliefs, practices and philosophies of that dojo

Second: to the master/ teacher (sensei)

Third: to each other (otagai)

TWENTY PRECEPTS OF KARATE-DO

1. Never forget that karate begins with rei and ends with rei. (rei has the meaning of courtesy, respect)
2. There is no first hand in karate. (there is no first attack in karate)
3. Karate supports righteousness
4. First understand yourself then understand others
5. The art of mind is more important than the art of technique.
6. The mind needs to be freed.
7. Trouble is born of negligence.
8. Do not think karate is only in the dojo.
9. The training of karate requires a lifetime.
10. Transform everything into karate; there likes the exquisiteness.
11. Genuine karate is like hot water; it cools down if you do not keep heating it.
12. Do not have an idea of winning, while the idea of losing is not necessary.
13. Transform yourself according to the opponent.
14. The outcome of the fight all depends on the maneuver.
15. Imagine one’s legs and arms as swords.
16. Once you leave the shelter of home, there are a million enemies.
17. Postures are for the beginner, later they are natural positions.
18. Do the kata correctly; the real fight is a different matter.
19. Do not forget the control of the dynamics (of power), the elasticity (of the body) and speed (of techniques).
20. Always be good at the application of everything that you have learnt.



SPORT KARATE

Competition karate is a very beneficial means of testing one’s skills and fighting spirit.

There are however some who believe that competition is detrimental to the proper development of one’s karate.

A karate contest should not be concerned about either winning or losing, but instead, participation. However, we all know the reality is very different.

Karate-style competitions are structured in two ways i.e. kata and free sparring.

A contestant may participate in either one or all of the two.

In kata, the competitor must be able to show refinement in the demonstration of his chosen kata. A kata demonstration can be easily compared to a gymnastic display. Like the gymnast, a good kata display is judged by balance, control, speed, power, rhythm change, timing, stamina, appearance, eye contact, attitude, fighting spirit and kiai.

Jiyu kumite or free sparring is the most important part of all karate training. It serves as a platform for assessing one’s self concerning what has been learnt in kihon and kata. But it’s important to get things clear, it’s just a part and no more. Being good at kumite does not equate enlightened spirit.

Well organized tournaments are a joy to watch, unfortunately, today, many are an absolute disgrace. Where the sport element is involved without the ethics of a disciplined martial art, the result: chaos.

The criteria for judging what constitutes a score in competition karate are: good form, awareness (zanshin), good timing, sporting attitude, correct distance and vigorous application.


KARATE AS SELF DEFENSE

People trained in karate can enjoy the self confidence of being able to defend themselves against any type of armed or unarmed attack. Of course no matter the level of one’s training, the first thing you want to do in a confrontation is to flee. However this may not always be possible especially if cornered. At this point you have to do whatever it takes to keep your attacker from harming you.

Karate has a wide variety of techniques from which the practitioner can draw from in any type of confrontation. These techniques stem from kata. Majority of the techniques presented in kata are practicable and applicable in any situation. Regardless of stature, one can find techniques in kata which he/she can apply with minimum friction under the pressure of adrenaline.

The way you will react in a real self defense situation is greatly influenced by your attitude towards training. Lazy attitude towards training may cause you to re-act poorly on the street which could be dangerous to your safety. On the other hand if you approach your workouts with Great Spirit and put in 100 percent, you can be sure of coming out on top in a confrontation.


QUOTES OF SOME OF THE GREAT JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTISTS

Jigoro Kano quotes (founder of judo)
• Before and after practicing Judo or engaging in a match, opponents bow to each other.
Bowing is an expression of gratitude and respect. In effect, you are thanking your opponent for giving you the opportunity to improve your technique.
• Judo is the way to the most effective use of both physical and spiritual strength. By training you in attacks and defenses it refines your body and your soul and helps you make the spiritual essence of Judo a part of your very being. In this way you are able to perfect yourself and contribute something of value to the world. This is the final goal of Judo discipline.
• If there is effort, there is always accomplishment.

Taisen Deshimaru quotes (Zen priest)
• Think you your whole body
• If you are not happy here and now, you will never be.
• Time is not a line, but a series of now-points.

Miyamoto Mushashi quotes (Great Japanese Swordsman)
• Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.
• All things entail rising and falling timing. You must be able to discern this.
• There is timing in everything. Timing in strategy cannot be mastered without a great deal of practice.

Gichin Funakoshi quotes (Father of modern karate and founder of shotokan karate).
• When you look at life, think in terms of karate. But remember that karate is not only karate…it is life.
• The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.
• The correct understanding of karate and its proper use is karate-do. One who truly trains in this do (way) and actually understands karate-do is never easily drawn into a fight.

Morihei Ueshiba (founder and father of modern aikido)
• One does not need buildings, money, power or status to practice the art of peace. Heaven is right where you are standing and that is the place to train.
• As soon as you concern yourself with the “good” and “bad” of your fellows, you create an opening in your heart for maliciousness to enter. Testing, competing with and criticizing others weaken and defeat you.
• Even the most powerful human being gas a limited sphere of strength. Draw him outside of that sphere and into your own, and his strength will dissipate.


TERMINOLOGIES

It is essential that a karate-ka has basic knowledge about the terminologies used in karate. You don’t need to know how to speak or read Japanese but familiarity with the terms used in karate training is important.

General pronunciation guide
A as in arch
AI as in high
I as in Vaseline
E as in less
EI as in day
J as in Japan
O as in low
U as in loot
G as in get
Z as in zebra
Japanese word/phrase English translation
Rei bow
Mokuso Meditation
Yoi Ready
Hajime Start
Yame Stop
Sensei Instructor/ master
Sempai One’s senior
Dohai One’s equal
Kohai One’s junior
Dojo Training place or hall
Makiwara Punching board
Dogi Outfit for the practice of budo eg. Karate uniform
Kime Focus
Zanshin Remaining spirit
Mushin No mind, not thinking, without conscience
Chi Internal energy
Waza Technique
Tzuki waza Punching techniques
Geri waza Kicking techniques
Uchi waza Striking techniques
Nage waza Throwing techniques
Atemi waza Pressure point techniques
Obi Belt
Tatami Training mat of platform
Katana Sword
Bo Staff
Gyaku Reverse
Seiken Fore fist
Hiraken Fore knuckle fist
Uraken Back fist
Teisho Palm heel
Shuto Knife hand
Jodan Head level
Chudan Mid-section level
Gedan Groin level
Kamai Fighting guard up
Maai Distancing
Deshi Student
Kumite Sparring
Kihon Basics
Oss I acknowledge