| The origins of Okinawan karate
date back to the 18th and 19th century. Literally meaning "Chinese
hand or empty hand", karate became the accepted term for
the empty-handed system of self-defense of Okinawa. Prior to
that time period, it is believed that when Okinawa was invaded
by Japan (they two were independent countries) there may have
been a ban on all weapons, and confiscation of all the Okinawans
weapons. Without any weapons to defend themselves, the Okinawans
practiced empty-handed self-defense techniques in order to defend
themselves from the armed Japanese invaders. The self-defense
system they developed was called te, and over time evolved into
a more sophisticated form of martial arts which is known as
karate.
On the main island of Okinawa, karate developed in three
major cities: Shuri, Naha, and Tomari, which are all located
within a few miles of each other. The early styles of karate
were named after the cities where it was practiced; Shuri-te,
Naha-te, and Tomari-te. Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan is a small branch
which evolved from the Shuri-te sytem of fighting. |
