Monday, August 4, 2014

Key Individuals In The Development Of Karate

By Leigh Metopher


When you mention the words martial arts, karate typically springs to mind before just about any other art. This fighting art is one of the most popular in the world. It was developed in Okinawa hundreds of years ago as a hybrid of skills and techniques learned from visiting tradesman and fisherman from China. With an emphasis on striking and punching, karate is an excellent self-defense tool for people of all ages.

One of the earliest legends of karate is Gichin Funakoshi, who founded a type of karate known as Shotokan karate. Funakoshi was born in Okinawa and is known as the person who introduced karate to mainland Japan. He opened the first school of karate or dojo in Tokyo in 1939.

Anko Itosu also is known as a father of modern karate, and while Funakoshi brought karate from Okinawa into Japan, Itosu is known for his 1908 writing "Ten Precepts of Karate." This document details the basic principles of karate and was presented to Japan's Ministry of War and the Ministry of Education. The officials were impressed by Itosu's writing and it generated interest in karate throughout Japan. While Funakoshi opened the first dojo, it is important to note that he learned much of skills from his Itosu, who was his teacher.

Americans serving in Asia during World War II, particularly in Okinawa and the Solomon Islands, quickly embraced the art of karate. Robert Trias learned his karate skills while serving in the Solomon Islands. He became learned enough that once he got back home to Arizona, he started teaching karate to others in his backyard. Trias opened the U.S.'s first dojo in 1946. In 1948, he started the United States Karate Association.

There are, of course, many other individuals who are important practitioners of karate. Some developed different types of karate and others helped spread the art's popularity around the world. Karate skills can be important techniques in the arsenal of an MMA fighter, as well. UFC champion Lyoto Machida, for example, holds a black belt in Shotokan karate as well as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Children and teens benefit greatly from the teachings of karate which encompass more than simply providing excellent tools for self-defense. At Team Mai, instructors focus on teaching discipline, honor, respect and self-confidence to their students. So if you are searching for an Encinitas karate school, Carlsbad karate school or San Marcos karate school, check out Team Mai. They offer classes for all ages and also have a free two-week trial so you can find out if the Team Mai dojo is the right place for your child.




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