The origin of karate dates back more than a thousand years, When Dharma was at the Shao Lin monastery in China, he taught his students physical training methods in order to build endurance and physical strength required to carry out the rigid discipline that was part of their religion. This physical training was further developed to become what is known today as the Shao Lin art of fighting.
This martial art was imported to Okinawa and blended with the indigenous fighting techniques of the islands. The banning of using weapons on the southernmost tip of Japan, thus giving rise to the development of "empty-hand" fighting techniques.
Karate was first introduced to the Japan public in 1922, when Funakoshi was invited to demonstrate at an exhibition of traditional martial arts. His demonstration so impressed the audience that he was flooded of request to teach in Tokyo and was able to establish the Shotokan in 1936.
The role of karate in the modern age is multiple. As a practical means of self-defense, moreover karate is gaining great popularity as a competitive sport, one which stress mental discipline as well as physical prowess. Karate was survived and changed through the centuries to become a highly effective means of unarmed self-defense enjoyed by enthusiasts throughout the world.
Gichin Funacoshi sensei, 1869-1957
