Karate history
The history of karate can be tracked over 2000 years. Although it is now accepted as a Japanese art, it is a form of self-defence that is now believed to have originated from India. Different sources will tell you that the origins of today's martial arts stem from the Bodhidharma, an Indian monk that traveled to China to spread his beliefs. It is said that the Shaolin monks of China adapted many of the martial skills taught by the Bodhidharma. The Shaolin monks used these skills to allow their bodies to develop as well as their psychological and meditational skills. Due to active commerce and trade between the Ryukyu kingdom (Okinawa) and China, the arts eventually spread to Okinawa where it underwent further development and changes. This is believed to have started during the peak of the Ryukyu kingdom, around the 1500's
Shotokan Karate history
Gichin Funakoshi was born in Okinawa in 1868, the same year as Japan's Meiji Restoration. Funakoshis early training took place in complete secrecy -- at the time, the Okinawan government had banned the practice of karate. Funakoshi eventually became a schoolteacher, training in karate all the while. During this time, Okinawan karate emerged from its seclusion to become a legally sanctioned martial art. In 1922 after the Japanese Ministry of Education asked Funakoshi to introduce Okinawan karate to Japan and held a martial arts demonstration in Tokyo. Funakoshi-sensei decided to remain in Japan and teach and promote his art. Initially Funakoshi called the fighting techniques, CHINESE HAND but later changed it to EMPTY HAND - KARATE. Karate began to spread throughout Japan. In 1935, Funakoshi's supporters started karate dojo in Japan bearing the dojo's name: Shoto-kan.
Hitotsu. Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
Hitotsu. Makoto no michi wo mamoru koto
Hitotsu. Doryoku no Seishin wo yashinau koto
Hitotsu. Reigi wo omonzuru koto
Hitotsu. Kekki no yu wo imashimuru koto
First. Seek perfection of character
First. Protect the way of the truth
First. Foster the spirit of effort
First. Respect the principles of etiquette and respect others
First. Guard against impetuous courage and refrain from violent behavior.