Karate (からてどう / Karate) is a martial art originating from Ryukyu. Karate was originally called Tang Shou, which means "a martial art originating from China". Some people in the Mainland claim that karate is derived from China's Shaolin martial arts, but there is no solid basis for this assertion.
The Japanese からて of karate can be divided into two parts:
から: The Chinese character is "empty"; there are two interpretations of this word: one is empty, empty-handed, unarmed; Kara can also be interpreted as the meaning of "Tang". Tang refers to the Tang Dynasty. In the Tang Dynasty, China entered a prosperous period, and the people of the Tang Dynasty are Chinese people. Therefore, karate can also be interpreted as Tang Hand, which is Chinese hand skills. But it means ten years. Before the unification of Japan, Karate was an empty hand, so its Chinese character (kanji) also used the name Tangshou.
て: That is, hand.
In addition to the names of empty hands and Tang hands, this martial art was also called Ryukyu hands. Ryukyu was a small country located in the south of Japan that was paid tribute to China during the Qing Dynasty. The local people often went to China. Some apprenticed in martial arts schools and returned to Ryukyu. Later, Japan occupied Ryukyu and renamed it Okinawa. At the same time, it also implemented a ban on martial arts and weapons. However, the local people still resisted. They learned from China (and of course joined Ryukyu itself) Martial arts, and even the tools used for daily life (such as nunchucks for beating crops, oars for boating) are strictly resisted. This kind of martial arts used for resistance and fighting is of course aimed at killing people.
< p>Due to the development of empty hand in different places in Ryukyu, three basic sets of techniques were also developed - one is Naha hand, the other is Shuri hand and Tomari hand.Later, this martial art flowed into Japan. The development diverged and gradually became today's karate.
The four major schools of karate
The three major factions "Tang Hand" mentioned above, among which "Shuri Hand" and "Naha Hand" " Later it further developed into the "four major schools" of traditional karate. Among them, Mr. Funakoshi Yoshizumi (1868~1957), the representative figure of "Shuri Te", was the first to start the empty-handed movement from Ryukyu in 1922 after the death of his mentor Mr. Yasuhei Itoshu. When it was introduced to Japan, Mr. Funakoshi's nickname was "Shoto", so his empty hand was called "Shotokan Karate" (or Shotokan-ryu Karate). Mr. Chojun Miyagi (1888~1953), the representative figure of "Nahate", started his career in Kyoto, Japan in 1928 after the death of his mentor Mr. Kanryo Higashionna. The "Three Battles" karate was named after the strong karate, and the "Turning Palm" karate was named after the soft karate, and "Gōju-ryu Karate" was established. After "Shotokan" and "Goju-ryu", Mr. Kenkazu Mabun (1889~1952) established Itoshu Anheng in Osaka, Japan in 1929 in the name of his two mentors. "Ito" is named after the "East" of Higashi Onna Kanyō, "Ito-ryu Karate". In addition, "Wado-ryu Karate" was established in 1929 by Mr. Hironori Otsuka, who was trained at "Shindojo Shin-ryu Jujutsu" and also learned "Shotokan Karate" from Mr. Funakoshi Yoshizumi. "Jiu-Jitsu Kenpo" (or Wado-ryu Karate). To this day, Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Ito-ryu and Wadō-ryu are collectively referred to as the "four major schools".
1. Shotokan style The founder of Shotokan style is Gichin Funakoshi (1870-1957), the founder of modern karate. This school is currently the largest karate school in the world. Shotokan-ryu karate is a northern style of kung fu in the so-called "Southern Boat and North Horse" style of karate. Shotokan-ryu Karate*** has 26 prescribed kata (routines). Its technical characteristics are wide opening and closing, straight movements, mostly lunges, and emphasis on the use of leg techniques. It is a model of fierce karate. It is similar to the Northern Shaolin Boxing in Chinese martial arts. Because of its large range of movements and simplicity, it is deeply loved by European and American karate enthusiasts. Its market share in karate countries such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which are the world's karate powers, has reached more than 80%. With the globalization of karate sports, the advantages of fierce and direct Shotokan-ryu karate have become more obvious. Representative groups of this school include Japan Karate Association (JKA), International Shotokan Karate Federation (SKI), International Shoto Kai (ISKF) and several other international alliances, as well as Shoto Kai, Shoto Federation Kai, Shotokan, Shoto Federation, Mita Kai , Daomen Society, Tuokong Society, etc. Among them, JKA is the largest karate group in Japan and the largest in the world. At present, karate teams from more than 80 countries and regions around the world have joined JKA, and world competitions are held every two years.
The group was founded by Funakoshi Gichin and was officially established in Japan in Showa 23. The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology was officially registered as a public interest legal person on April 10, Showa 33.
Shotokan-ryu is a school directly affiliated with Gichin Funakoshi, who was the first to introduce Okinawan karate (karate) to Japan. The founder of Shotokan, Gichin Funakoshi, passed down the tradition to Izusu Anheng. After gathering a few Goju-ryu techniques, he established the prototype of Shotokan Karate. Mabun Renxian and Funakoshi often communicated with each other, so Ito and Shoto used similar kata. Funakoshi also renamed Karatate to Karate and brought Judo's ribbon system into Karate. This sect is divided into corporate bodies, Japan Karate Association, Shoto Kai, Shoto Dokai, Shotokan, Shoto Federation, Mita Kai, Inado Kai, Takukukai, etc.
2. Goju-ryu The founder of Goju-ryu Karate is Miyagi Chojun. Miyagi was born in Ryukyu in the 21st year of Meiji. At the age of 14, he joined the sect of the famous Naha hand master Higashionna Kanrō. At the age of 18, he went to Fujian Province, China, to learn Chinese boxing. After returning home, he systematized his unique techniques. This stream is the southern style of Kung Fu in the "South Boat and North Horse" style, and its receiving system comes from the White Crane School of Southern Shaolin Boxing. The name of its school comes from one of the eight lines of boxing in the "Bubei Shi" written by Hakakumon's secretary, "The method is strong and soft, and the body is ready to adapt to the situation." Therefore, it is named Goju-ryu. This school of karate has obvious characteristics of Nanquan. It mainly focuses on the three fighting steps of small frame and cat adachi, and emphasizes the balance of hardness and softness. When practicing, pay attention to the exercise of "qi", "breath" and "body". Goju-ryu*** has 13 prescribed types. Representative groups of Goju-ryu include the All-Japan Karate Federation Goju-kai, World Goju-ryu Karate Federation, Goju-kan, Goju-ryu Alliance, Shogo-kai, etc. This school has considerable influence in Southeast Asia and was the first to be introduced to China. One of the karate schools. Another thing to note is that the representative of the other major karate system in the world, that is, full-contact hard karate, Oyama Beida, the founder of Kyokushin Kai, is a student of Cao Ningzhu, a disciple of Gogen Yamaguchi, the founder of Japan Goju Kai.
Tracing the roots of Goju-ryu Karate
Naha Te originated in 1875 AD.
The ancestor, Higashi Onna Kanryo, traveled from Okinawa, Japan via waterway to Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China, at the age of 22, to study Chinese martial arts with famous teachers. During this period, he experienced countless difficulties, such as verbal communication, adaptation to living habits, etc., and finally got what he wanted. He became a disciple of Wuhe Quan master Xie Zongxiang (Brother Ruru) and learned Wuhe Quan. Xie Zongxiang himself is a bamboo craftsman. Mr. Higashi Onna practiced martial arts in China for fifteen years before bidding farewell to his master and returning to Naha City, Okinawa, Japan. Before returning home, he already knew the techniques of using herbal medicine.
After Mr. Higashi Onna returned to Okinawa, he devoted all his efforts to developing and promoting the martial arts learned from China, especially the "Sanzhanquan" routine. At that time, many people practiced martial arts with Higashi Onna, but due to his training It is very strict and demanding, so most students can only stay in school for a short period of time and then stop studying. At that time, a fourteen-year-old boy named Nagajun, a famous official, was self-disciplined and overcame hardships. He finally became Mr. Higaonna's disciple, completed all the study courses, and together they promoted "Nahate". In 1915, Mr. Higashi Onna passed away at the age of sixty-three. From then on, the "Nahate" line was passed on to this young man with extremely high self-discipline - Miyagi Chojun, who became the master of the sect, Miyagi Chojun. I have been practicing martial arts with Mr. Dong En for fifteen years.
From 1921 to 2025, Mr. Miyagi performed the "Naha Hand" technique many times in the imperial family and received repeated praise. In 1926, Mr. Miyagi, who was thirty-eight years old, also established the Karate Martial Arts Society, that is, the Karate Research Society. At the same time, there were Huacheng Changyun, Kichaowa, Motobu Chaoki and Wanwen Renxianhe (the founder of Dongliu). ) teach apprentices in turns.
In 1927, Jigoro Kana, the founder of Judo, was invited to a party in Tokyo. Grandmaster Miyagi performed the Naha gloves on the spot. The founder of Judo felt that these fists were very fulfilling, and then Mr. Miyagi performed them again. Demonstrating some wrestling and grappling techniques, and explaining the importance of these techniques in applying luck and proper breathing, the founder of Judo was deeply impressed and took it to heart.
After 1930, in Kobudo competitions and many other major martial arts events sponsored by the Japanese government, the ancestor of Judo recommended Mr. Miyagi to demonstrate the technique of Okinawa's "Naha Hand".
In 1930, after Mr. Miyagi’s eldest disciple Shinzato Higan performed at the All-Japan Martial Arts Competition, he was asked by a disciple of Kobudo which faction his Naha hand gloves should belong to. Shinzato Ninan had no way to answer, because there was no need to establish a name for a faction at that time, and at that time there were three different factions circulating in the martial arts world in Okinawa, namely Tomari-Te and Shuri-Te. and Naha-Te, all of which are derived from Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu, and these three factions are all distinguished by their village names and are collectively known as "Tang-Te". After Shinzato Ninan returned to Okinawa, when he mentioned the issue of the name of the faction to his master, Mr. Miyagi felt that there was a need and named it "Goju-ryu" so that this martial arts technique could be promoted and he also officially informed other Japanese martial arts schools. .
"Gōju-ryu" is a martial arts that combines strong strength with gentle techniques. The style is a sect, so hardness is mixed with softness, softness is strong with strength, and they complement each other. Mr. Miyagi was the first martial artist to evolve Chinese martial arts into an independent school. "Goju-ryu" Karate was officially registered by Mr. Miyagi in the Japan Martial Arts Association in 1933, so it was called "Goju-ryu" before 1933 and "Karate" in 1933. "(Japanese [Nihongo] written in Chinese characters [Kanji]), "empty hand" is explained as a self-defense technique with bare hands or weapons, and some masters call it "Karate Do".
After the Second World War in 1946, Mr. Miyagi taught karate techniques to the Okinawa City Government Sports Association and the Okinawa Police Training Academy. Then, karate developed from Okinawa throughout Japan, and Miyagi Chojun was called the "Warrior Genji" and became the father of karate.
3. Wado-ryu The founder of Wado-ryu Karate is Otsuka Hironori, who was born in the 25th year of Meiji. Started learning judo at the age of 6. In the 9th year of Taisho, he went to Meisho Juku of Funakoshi Gichin to learn karate and Japanese Shinto yoshi-ryu jujitsu. In the 13th year of Taisho, he participated in the Ryukyu Tang surgery performance at the dance performance held at the Imperial Palace Jiningkan dojo. Otsuka Hironori performed his own "Tang surgery random kata" (restraint sparring in modern karate), and "catching tanto" " and "Catching the Real Sword with White Blades" won praise. Taking this as an opportunity, Otsuka Hironori created "Wado-ryu" in May of Showa 8, which means to combine karate and Japanese jujitsu. This school is deeply influenced by the "Shinto Yangshin-ryu" jujitsu, among which "farewell", "flow", "press", "induction", "entering the body", "turning around", etc. are the technical characteristics of jujitsu. The most distinctive feature of Wado-ryu is the fighting technique. It is one of the very few karate styles that can reflect the characteristics of the school in fighting. Many karate fighting competition champions have appeared in this school. At the same time, this school of karate also belongs to the Shotokan system, so its routines are deeply influenced by the Shotokan style, but it also has its own characteristics.
The representative groups of Wado-ryu Karate include the All Japan Karate Federation and Dokai, the World Wado-ryu Karate Federation, etc. The largest power of Wado-ryu is in universities and schools in Japan, including the University of Tokyo, Tokyo Agriculture, Karate schools are the backbone of Meiji, Nippon, Rikkyo, Nippon Dental, Tokyo Industrial, Tokyo Foreign Studies, Hokkaido, Kumamoto Industrial, Fukuoka and other university sports leagues. The current director of the All Japan Karate Federation, Toru Arakawa, is one of the representatives of Wado-ryu.
4. The founder of Ito-ryu Ito-ryu, Mabun Hitoshikazu, was born in Shuri City, Ryukyu in the 22nd year of Meiji. He is a descendant of Oni Ojo, the famous ancient Japanese general. His ancestors were defeated by General Tokugawa Ieyasu for their military exploits. One of the Ryukyu Islands was named "Mowenren" and the island was granted a title, so Yi's surname was "Mowenren". Liu Zu was talented and intelligent since he was a child, and had a high understanding of martial arts. At the age of 13, he became a famous Ryukyu martial artist and Shuri Tatepa master Mr. Yasuhei Itosu, who was known as the "King Sage" at the age of 13. pass. Itosu Anheng did not forget to cultivate him even before his death. When he was 20 years old, he recommended him to another great master of Naha Hand Karate, Mr. Higashi Onna Kanryo. Dynamic Qigong from Shaolin Temple. Later, he learned karate such as Matsumura School and Aragaki School, and also learned Japanese ancient martial arts equipment besides karate. Kenwa Mabumi went to Kyoto in the 3rd year of the Showa era. Among the Ryukyu karatō who arrived in Japan, he was the only one who fully learned Shuri te and Naha te. As a result, he was able to master the skills of both schools.
In 1915, his two masters passed away one after another. Later, in order to commemorate the two mentors, he used the first characters of the names of the two masters. In the 9th year of Showa (1927) Created his own karate school - "Ito-ryu" in Osaka, Japan. Liuzu taught his disciples to be serious and meticulous. He not only required his disciples to work hard, but also paid special attention to their character cultivation. In terms of training, Liuzu not only mastered the martial arts of "Shuri Hand" and "Naha Hand", but also added the ancient Japanese grappling technique, the traditional Iai swordsmanship and the Tada school's hairpin technique, stick technique and nunchaku technique. Today, Ito-ryu has not only become one of the four major schools in the world, but it is also the most complete and perfect karate martial art that has been passed down to future generations. The characteristics of Ito-ryu are summarized in three words: "keeping, breaking, and leaving", that is, faithfully observing the kata, then applying it and finally being independent, using this unique method to practice karate. Moreover, Ito-ryu Karate attaches great importance to the cultivation of the spirit of karate. The founder, Mobun Renxian, emphasized that Ito-ryu Karate is the "gentleman's fist" and is a karate practice for the purpose of cultivating a perfect personality and a noble purpose in life.
Mobun Hitoshi Kenei (the eldest son of Mobun Hitoshi Kazuo) was born on February 13, 1918 in Shuri City, Okinawa. He began practicing karate as a child, and later also studied kendo and judo. After his death in 1952, Mobun Hikenwa named Ito-ryu the "Ito-ryu Karate Yoshukai" and continued to develop Ito-ryu karate in different parts of the world.
Ito-ryu Karate has 47 prescribed karates, which is the most prescribed kata among the four major schools. It is also the school with the most number of platoon players representing Japan in the world karate competition. The style of Ito-ryu is a major feature of its genre. The representative groups of Ito-ryu include the All-Japan Karate Federation Ito-kai, the World Ito-ryu Karate Federation, the Hayashi-pai Ito-ryu, Shoikikai, Shukyokai, Shudokai, Sacred Heart Kai, Meibukai, etc. A world-class karate competition has been held every two years since 1989.
[edit]
The skills of karate
Karate is the skillful use of fists and kicks to explore the principles of victory and defeat, and then achieve a state beyond victory and defeat. A dynamic Zen way to hone your spirit, body, and skills, and explore the dynamics of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through unremitting exercise and rigorous and arduous competition, master advanced self-protection skills, develop a strong body and a sound mind, and practice hard with confidence and courage, thereby making a positive contribution to the justice, peace, and development of human society?< /p>
In the middle of the Ming Dynasty in China, a Chinese martial artist (Chen Yuanyun), who according to records was a general, came to Ryukyu to teach martial arts. It is said that he can lift a person with one finger. He brought nunchucks, shackles, crutches and other weapons as well as martial arts. Later it spread to Japan and was called Tang Shou. --