Okinawa
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When did Funakoshi Gichin start training with his masters?
Funakoshi Gichin 船越義珍 (1868–1957) is an important source for research into the life and times of Itosu Ankō 糸洲安恒 (1831–1915). His publications contain numerous descriptions of Itosu’s activities. According to Funakoshi, he himself began learning karate from Itosu at a young age, probably as one of Itosu’s first students in Okinawa in the early 1880s.… Continue reading
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Further photos of the 1921 karate demonstration?
The March 1921 karate demonstration in the courtyard of Shuri Castle, led by Funakoshi Gichin 船越義珍 (1868–1957) in the presence of Crown Prince Hirohito 裕仁 (1901–1989), celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. Only a few photos of Hirohito’s short stay in Okinawa have survived. In the biography of Kenna Kenwa 漢那憲和 (1877–1950), Okinawan born former… Continue reading
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No high kicks in Okinawan karate?
Recently a video was published about the supposed influencing factors of high kicks in karate. The theory is interesting, the video very entertaining. But there is a lack of historical evidence. There are so many myths and legends in the world of martial arts. For many years, serious efforts have been made to explain historical… Continue reading
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Yabu Kentsū talks about voluntarily joining the Army
Yabu Kentsū (1866–1937) is one of the most important figures in the development of modern karate. He was instructed in karate, the civil fighting arts of Ryūkyū, from a young age by Matsumura Sōkon (1809–1899) and Itosu Ankō (1831–1915). It is well known that Yabu voluntarily joined the Japanese Army in 1890. But it is… Continue reading
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When karate was introduced in Okinawan schools
There is a discussion about when exactly karate was introduced into Okinawan schools. In the literature we find the following: (1) Ryūkyū Shimpō (1905): “At the end of last year [1904], the staff of this [middle] school thought there might be some benefit to be found in karate, and immediately began researching the issue.“ (2)… Continue reading
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Review of important German karate history book
Heiko Bittmann has been one of the most important German experts in the teachings and history of karate, not least since his highly acclaimed German dissertation Karatedō. Der Weg der Leeren Hand (Karatedō. The Way of the Empty Hand) (1999). This was followed in 2000 by Die Lehre des Karatedō (The teachings of Karatedō), a… Continue reading
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Review: An Introduction to the Historic, Cultural, and Social Phenomenon of Okinawan Karate
Academic works on the historical and cultural background of karate are rare. Many, once submitted as diploma or master’s theses at technical colleges or universities, usually lie dormant unpublished in drawers at home. However, it is an essential part of science that results must be published. Only in this way can they be utilized as… Continue reading
Investigations into the history of karate 