KARATE - HISTORY, BACKGROUND

Background of Karate

The origin of Karate dates back to the sixth century between the years 502 A.D. and 550 A.D. when an Indian Monk named Bodhidharma (Daruma in Japanese ; Ta-mo in Chinese ) arrived in China. He taught his disciples physical exercises combined with breathing called ta’chuan (or da quan), when he noticed that they were weak and thin due to nine years of ascetic life and deprivation. Part of this teaching was formed into a Treatise on Limbering up the joints and bones.

Bodhidharma is said to have taught in a famous monastery called Shaolin, founded in 495 A.D. in the Henan district of northern China. The Shaolin Temple was the centre for over 450 varieties of Chinese Boxing for centuries.

During the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 A.D.), a monk named Shang Sanfeng modified and purified the forms used and in contrast to the external methods used until then, he introduced the internal method, defining their differences. The Chinese Masters took the secrets of their art to Okinawa. When the Japanese invaded Okinawa island in the seventeenth century and gradually confiscated and prohibited all fighting weapons, the Chinese method of combat were then adapted under the name of ‘Okinawate’ or simply ‘te’ means “hands”.

In 1903, the Japanese, surprised at the physical performance of young conscripts during the ‘te’ practice, authorized its teaching in Schools. The name Karate-Jutsu replaced the word ‘te’. Karate-Jutsu taken from Chinese ideograms means “art of the hands”.

Therefore, modern Karate or “art of empty hands” was born and Master Funakoshi, student of Master Higaonna was the first to determine its synthesis. He took his inspiration from all the martial arts connected with Karate: Okinawate, Kempo, T’ai-chi, etc. He studied all these methods and devoted his life time to making these known. He lived until he was 83 years old.

Under the direction of Master Funakoshi, followed in 1930 by another great Master from Okinawa, Master Mabuni (founder of Shito-Ryu); Karate became extremely popular throughout Japan over the years.

KENWA MABUNI

Founder of Shito-Ryu

Shito Ryu Karate was founded by Kenwa Mabuni (November 14, 1889 – May 23, 1952). When he was 13 years old, Mabuni Sensei began training with Anko Itosu, a noted Karate master in the Shuri area of Okinawa. Itosu Sensei was not only highly skilled in Budo but also a great innovator in teaching the martial arts. Around 1905, Itosu Sensei introduced Karate into the Okinawan public school system. Among other accomplishments, Itosu Sensei created the Pinan (Heian) kata which are still practiced today as introductory or intermediate forms in many schools. Itosu Sensei had an important effect on Karate in the 20th Century. Evidence of this can be found in the number of ryuha or Karate styles that trace their lineage back to him. This includes notables such as Gichin Funakoshi, who was responsible for starting Shotokan Karate, Chomo Hanashiro, Kentsu Yabe, Choshin Chibana and others.

About 1909, through an introduction by his friend Chojun Miyagi, Mabuni Sensei started to also train with Kanryo Higaonna (sometimes known as Higashionna). Higaonna Sensei was a expert form the Naha region of Okinawa. Through Higaonna Sensei, Mabuni Sensei learned kata such as Saiha, Sanchin, Seienchin, Seipai and others. Miyagi Sensei went on to found the Goju Ryu style of Karate.

In 1915, both Itosu Sensei and Higaonna Sensei passed away within a short time of one another. Mabuni Sensei continued his training. Ultimately, he and Miyagi Sensei joined with other students of Karate to start a research group aimed at practicing and spreading Karate. During this time Mabuni Sensei also trained in and taught various forms of Okinanwan weaponry or Ryukyu Kobudo.

In 1929, Mabuni Kenwa Sensei moved his entire family to Osaka. There he established a small dojo and began teaching his unique art. Hanko Ryu or Half-Hard Style. In the 1930′s, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (the Japanese martial arts sanctioning organization) began to demand the different groups applying for membership, be more specific in the description of their Karate systems, and pressured them to name their systems. Originally, Mabuni Kenwa Sensei thought to name his system Hanko Ryu or “half-hard” style. However, ultimately Mabuni Sensei decided on the name SHI TO which was formed by taking the first characters (kanji) from the names of his two primary teachers, Itosu and Higa(shi)onna. Thus, the name Shito Ryu has no literal meaning but rather honors the two main teachers in Mabuni Kenwa Sensei’s life. In the same context, the kata syllabus of Shito Ryu is still listed as having two lineages, Itosu Ke and Higaonna.

Mabuni Kenwa Sensei worked tirelessly to teach Karate throughout Japan. His efforts brought him into contact with other people who were essential to the growth of Karate in Japan. The impact that Mabuni Kenwa had on the development of Japanese Karate was tremendous. Many groups trace an element of their lineage back to him. Mabuni Kenwa died on May 23rd, 1952.

KENI MABUNI

Sensei Keni Mabuni is born in 13th February 1918, as the first son of Kenwa Mabuni in Syuri. From his childhood he got Karate lessons from his father Kenwa Mabuni. In May 23, 1952 – On Kenwa Mabuni’s death, he became the second head of Shito-Ryu.

In 1972, He succeeded to be the first grade referee of All Japan Karate-Do Federation. March 17, 1993, World Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation was established and he became its president.