Though there were earlier rulers in Okinawa who battled with other Ryukyuan kingdoms, one king had ordered the recall of all weapons. The Okinawans relished in an age where fewer battles kept more family and friends from dying as a result of battle.
Elder karate masters had given adolescents a good dose of physical training in order to quell potential fights that may occur in the future.
Sore knuckles and near exhaustion did not offer much motivation to start trouble or fights.
What this implies is that the Okinawan people had cultivated an ideal to stop fighting and arguments, instead of starting arguments and fights.
Since there was an absence of weapons, karate in Okinawa developed as a highly skilled art. In Classical times (before Meiji restoration ended in 1868) karateka had very high skill levels. An adult warrior would start his training at 13 years of age. These warriors, or bushi, included two of Taika Seiyu Oyata's prominent instructors.
These two elder warriors were in their 90's when passing their art to Mr. Oyata. The significance of this fact means that Mr. Oyata is exceptionally qualified to teach his art.
It is important to have good character when studying these older classical martial arts. The classical martial arts require more intensive study, rather than mule-ish repitition of only basic techniques. It is similiar to the construction of a building. Once the foundation is established, add-ons and flourishes can be added later. Without the hindrance of bad character traits, there is peace of mind to continue advanced training.