Common Theory about Its History

Karate dates back to 1400 years with Daruma, an Indian sage, founder of Zen Buddhism in Western
India. It was said that he was the one who introduced Buddhism into China. In order to give them great
strength and endurance, a book called Ekkin-Kyo was developed where a more progressive training system
and was considered as the first book of Karate of all time.

Origins
Karate, which means “empty hands” in Japanese, was born in the Okinawan Islands as a form of self-
defense because at the time weapons were banned by invading Japanese forces.
It was first known as te (hand), a fighting style used by natives in the Ryuku Islands and was later
influenced by Chinese kenpō, introduced through the Chinese families that settled on Okinawa after trade
relationships between China and the islands were established.
Because of the growing Japanese influence, the term te was eventually expanded to karate-jutsu
(Chinese hand art). After an Okinawan master changed the meaning of the word kara (also pronounced tode)
to mean "empty" rather than "Chinese hand," it became karate-do. Karate-do literally means "the way of the
empty hand."

Significant Events in Karate History

The History of Karate has a long list of its significant events, to not over flow you too much information,
A few of the Highlights in the history of Karate will be presented according to sportsver.com
17th Century: The Predecessors of Karate
During this time, as a form of self-defense, pre-Karate versions were systematized. It was taught to
practitioners as a weaponless fighting style, and it was used by Ryukyu Island natives.
19th Century: Early Versions of Karate
The term "karate" actually means "empty hands," which makes sense given that the art was introduced
at a time when the invading Japanese forces prohibited the use of weapons. When the first styles of Karate
appeared in the Okinawan Islands, three major types of Karate emerged from the cities of Shuri, Naha, and
Tomari, which were named Shuri-te, Tomari-te, and Naha-te. As the months and years passed, these styles
evolved and changed.
1901: Physical Education Programs
Anko Itosu, widely regarded as one of the fathers of modern Karate, advocated for Karate to be
included as a physical education requirement in public schools. As a result, the art form was incorporated into
physical education programs throughout the Okinawan Islands.
1939: First Formal Karate Training School
Despite the popularity of Karate, Japan did not have any formal training schools until the late 1930s.
Shotokan was the name of Japan's first formal Karate training school.

1948:Japan Karate Association

The organization was founded in November 1948 with the goal of developing karate as a sport and an art form.
Nihon Karate Kyokai, or Japan Karate Association, was the name of the organization.
Karate Terminologies
Anata – You Kihon – Basic Techniques
Anza – Sitting position, cross legged Kime – Focus
Ashi – Foot Kiotsuke – Attention
Ashi-Kubi – Ankle Kokyu Ho – Breathing exercises
Atama – Head Kumite – Sparring
Barai – Sweep Mae – Front
Bunkai – Kata Technique Application Mawatte – Turn Around
Chudan – Middle (Level) Migi – Right
Dachi – Stance Mo Ichi Do – One More Time
Dojo – School (Karate) Mokuso – Meditate
Domo – Thank You (Informal) Mushin – Void or State of No Mind
Domo Arigato – Thank You (Formal) Nage – Throw
Dozo – Please Neko – Cat (i.e. Neko Ashi Dachi = Cat Foot
Embusen or Enbusen – This is the term used to Stance or Cat Stance)
refer to the spot where a kata begins. In addition, Nodo – Throat
nearly all kata start and end on exactly the same Obi – Belt
Embusen point.
Oss or Osu – Push On Through Difficulties.
Empi or Enpi – Elbow Nevertheless, this term used in many different ways
Empi-Uchi or Enpi-Uchi – Elbow Strike and is often used by non-Japanese Karate students
Gedan – Low (Level) for “Thank you”, “I understand”, etc. Oss (Osu) is a
kind of respectful catch-all phrase. The meaning of
Geri or Keri – Kick Oss (Osu) can vary greatly between Karate schools
Gi – Uniform and styles.
Hai – Yes Rei – Bow
Hajime – Begin/Start Sayonara – Goodbye
Harau – Sweeping Techniques Senpai or Sempai – Senior Student
Hidari – Left Sensei – Teacher/Instructor
Hikite – Pulling Hand (bringing hand back to ready Seiza – Kneel
position) Seiza Waza – Kneeling Techniques
Hiza – Knee Shuto – Knife Hand
Iie – No Tatami – Practice/Training Mat
Jodan – Upper (Level) Te – Hand
Kakato – Heel Tsuki or Zuki – Punch
Karateka – Practitioner of Karate Uke – Block
Kata – Form or Pattern Ushiro – Back
Keage – Snap Watashi – I (Me)
Kekomi – Thrust Waza – Technique
Keri or Geri – Kick Yame – Stop
Ki – Type of intrinsic energy. Known as Qi or Chi in Yoko – Side
Chinese martial arts.
Zuki or Tsuki – Punch
Kiai – Shout