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| The Beginnings of Karate | |||||
| Merchant trades began to expand between China and the Ryukyu Islands. Okinawa, which is the largest of the latter islands, was originally and independent kingdom strongly influence by the Chinese culture. It is situated south of Japan and is, today, part of that Country. The combative techniques were soon transmitted from the Chinese to the Okinawans. The realationship between China and Okinawa grew tighter and this allowed Okinawans to study Chinese martial art with much interest. Products of Chinese influence were, at that time, highly regarded. This is why the word "karate" was used to describe the art; it meant "China hand". | |||||
| Fighting techniques already existing in Okinawa were known as Te, meaning hand in Japanese. Originally, three types of martial arts were found in the Okinawan Island. They were named after the town from which they originated: Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te. Theses skills were merged to their new found knowledge from the Chinese. Shotokan, which was the original style of karate and is now the most practiced style worldwide, traces its roots back to these traditional Okinawan styles. | |||||
| King Sho Shin of Japan banned any use of weapons after the 14th century. A similar decision occured in the 16th century. Complete anti-weapon laws were established by the governor of Okinawa. To protect their villages and their families, the practice of karate grew more popular but had to be condected in absolute secrecy. The karatekas, meaning people who practice the art of karate, had to remain quiet about this training even to members of their families. | |||||
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