Karate History
Karate is a modern term for the ancient art of self-defense. “Empty hand” self-defense has undergone many changes to meet the needs of different people in different times and places.
The Karate of today owes much to three great teachers:
Anko Itosu introduced Karate to the Okinawan school system in 1901 after noticing how karate students lived long lives.
This transformed the little-known art into a popular exercise for large groups of young adults.
To make Karate safer and easier to learn, Itosu focused on fitness and character instead of self-defence
Gichin Funakoshi, a student of Itosu’s, introduced Karate to Japan in 1921, Like Itosu, Funakoshi sought to instill discipline and good morals through perfection of technique, not self -defense.
His students came to call his art Shotokan.
Jigaro Kano hepled Funakoshi and indroduced Shotokan Karate into the Japanese school system.
At the age of 23 he also developeda safer version of Jiu-Jitsu.
In 1924, Funakoshi adopted Kano's white uniforms (gi's) and belt system for Karate.
