History of Karate and Shotokan Flashcards
Where does the martial art of karate originate?
Karate originated in china and was imported to okinawa in the 14th century.
What does karate mean?
“Kara” can mean either “Chinese” or “Empty”, and “Te” means “Hand”.
Funakoshi preferred empty hand because it indicates a form of self defence without weapons.
How were the different styles or schools of karate named in the early years in Okinawa?
They were named after the towns/districts in which they were practiced.
The main two schools were “Nawa-te” and “Shuri-te”. Names changed again later in the 19th century.
Why would it have been difficult to learn Karate in the early 15th century?
In 1429 the king forbade the practice of martial arts in Okinawa, so karate was practiced secretly at night.
When did the practice of martial arts become acceptable in public?
In 1902 when the Japanese Ministry of Culture approved of the teaching of martial arts in school.
On a visit to Okinawa, a karate demonstration was put on for the Crown Prince Hirohito who later invited masters of the martial art to put on a demonstration in the capital.
In 1921 Gichin Funakoshi, a respected school teacher, was chosen to hold the demonstration with some of his students in Tokyo.
Who taught Karate to Funakoshi?
Azato Yasutsume taught Funakoshi during his primary school years. He was taught one kata (Kushanku aka Kanku Dai).
Who did Azato Yasutsume study karate together with?
Itosu Yasutsume and Mabuni Kenwa
What was Itosu’s teaching style like?
It focused on the education of both the body and the mind.
Who by and when were the ‘pinan’ aka ‘heian’ katas developed?
Itosu Yasutsame developed the pinan katas in 1905.
Who taught the pinan kata to Funakoshi?
Mabuni Kenwa
How did the ‘shotokan’ style get its name?
After the devastating 1923 earthquake in Japan, Funakoshi like many others spent a long time rebuilding. In 1935 the National Committee of Karate Friends collected enough money from donations to open Japan’s first specifically karate dojo, which they called shoto-kan.
Why did Funakoshi use “Shoto” as a pseudonym?
“Shoto” translated means “the rustling of the pine tops”. The town where Funakoshi grew up (Shuri) lay between pine clad hills. Funakoshi loved the sound of wind whistling through the pine trees so he chose “Shoto” as the pseudonym.
How did Funakoshi’s son make compromises to the traditional style of his father?
From 1943, Yoshitaka (Funakoshi’s son) included ‘Gohon’ and ‘Sanbon’ kumite into his training program. Funakoshi never supported ‘kumite’ in his teaching.
