Long ago the art of self-defense called "te" (which means hand) existed in Okinawa, the small southernmost island of Japan. The actual roots of Karate-DO are not clearly known, but because Japan, and especially Okinawa, was close to China and frequently traded with it, it is probable that the Okinawan people were strongly influenced by China when developing their own martial art. Because at that time things of Chinese influence were regarded as mysterious and of high level, people used the word Karate-DO to describe it.
After the 14th century, king Sho Shin banned weapons, and in the 16th century the government of the fief
Satsuma, which governed Okinawa, established complete anti-weapon laws. Because of this people practiced Karate-DO in order to protect
their villages and families, and also as a way of self- defense. Gradually Karate-DO developed as a "one killing-blow" martial art that could also compete against weapons. Because the training was conducted secretly, it was never discovered, not even by the families of both teachers and trainees.
This is why the real aspects of Karate-DO were hidden for a long time. Finally it was introduced by Funakoshi from Okinawa. He went to Tokyo and demonstrated his Karate-DO to the people, who were amazed by its technique and power. After that many other Karate-DO experts, such as Chojun, went to Tokyo and helped expand the popularity of Karate-DO all over Japan. In 1935 Funakoshi, after seeking advice from a zen master, changed the characters for Karate-DO from meaning empty hand. Since then it has developed enormously, changing its form from the original Karate-DO of Okinawa. After a long silence due to the 2nd world war the Japan Karate-DO Association was established in 1949 and rapidly increased in popularity after the introduction of competition Karate-DO in 1956. In only a few decades, from when Funakoshi first introduced it to today, Karate-DO has gone beyond all social and racial barriers to gain worldwide support and is loved by many people of all ages. Wherever you go you will always find a Karate-DO dojo (training hall). No other martial art has in this way started on a small island and spread all over the world in such a short time.
When a student of Karate-DO (a karate-ka) reaches the dan level, his body has been trained as a weapon. He can defend himself in any given situation and protect himself in all different directions, using his limbs freely and independently.The basic techniques are divided into 4 groups, i.e. blocking, punching, kicking, and striking. In combat a karateka needs not only these techniques, but also others aspects - power, speed, timing, rhythm, breathing and a strong spirit. In a serious unarmed fight the individual possessing the stronger spirit and better technique will win. And, not only in that sense, the practice of Karate-DO will indeed lead to a development of character and self potential. As with other Japanese martial arts, Karate-DO requires a sound spirit and has clear rules of behavior and respect. The final purpose of Karate-DO training is not to defeat an opponent in competition but to develop perfect character, overcoming mental and physical sufferings under rigorous discipline.