🥋 The Untold Karate History: From Okinawa to the Olympics (2026)

Video: The Real Origin of Karate (Shocking Discovery).

The true karate history reveals that this global phenomenon began not in a Japanese dojo, but as a secret, weaponless survival system for Okinawan farmers under foreign occupation. Far from the “empty hand” myth, its roots are deeply tangled with Chinese Kung Fu, political intrigue, and a weapon ban that forced civilians to turn their bodies into lethal weapons.

Did you know the famous “Wax on, wax off” training from The Karate Kid is actually a direct reference to ancient Okinawan conditioning drills? It wasn’t until the 1920s that Gichin Funakoshi standardized the art, stripping away its brutal edge to make it palatable for mainland Japan. Today, over 50 million people practice a martial art that was once whispered about in the dead of night.

Key Takeaways

Origins: Karate evolved from indigenous Okinawan Te and Chinese Kenpo under a strict weapon ban in the 17th century.
Evolution: The art transformed from a lethal self-defense system into a sport and Olympic discipline through the efforts of masters like Funakoshi.
Styles: Three major branches—Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Shito-Ryu—define the modern landscape, each preserving unique historical techniques.
Myths: Contrary to popular belief, karate was not invented by monks and originally used the character for “Tang Hand” (China), not “Empty Hand.”

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
📜 From Ancient Ryukyu to Modern Dojo: The Untold Origins of Karate History
🥋 The Big Three: How Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Shito-Ryu Shaped Karate History
🏆 The Evolution of Karate: From Secret Self-Defense to Olympic Sport
🧠 The Mindset of a Warrior: Karate Philosophy and the Dōjō Kun
🥊 Kihon, Kata, and Kumite: The Holy Trinity of Karate Training
🌍 Karate Around the Globe: How the Martial Art Conquered the World
🎬 Karate in Pop Culture: From The Karate Kid to Modern MMA
🏅 The Belt System Explained: Decoding Karate Ranks and Grading
🥋 Karate vs. Other Styles: How It Stacks Up Against Judo, Taekwondo, and Boxing
🏋️ ♂️ Conditioning and Body Hardening: The Physical Demands of Traditional Karate
👥 Famous Masters and Legends: The Men and Women Who Defined Karate History
❓ Common Myths and Misconceptions About Karate History Debunked
🏁 Conclusion
🔗 Recommended Links
📚 Reference Links

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the dusty archives of the Ryukyu Kingdom, let’s hit the ground running with some hard-hitting facts that might just blow your mind. You might think karate is just about high kicks and “Hii-yah!” shouts, but the reality is far more nuanced.

It’s not actually Japanese (originally): While it’s a staple of Japanese culture now, karate was born in the Ryukyu Kingdom (modern-day Okinawa), a distinct nation that traded heavily with China.
The “Empty Hand” Myth: The kanji for Kara-te originally meant “Tang Hand” (referring to the Chinese Tang Dynasty). It wasn’t until the 1930s that the character was changed to mean “Empty Hand” to distance the art from China during rising tensions.
No Belts, No Problem: For centuries, there were no colored belts. The ranking system was borrowed from Judo by Gichin Funakoshi in the 1920s. Before that, you were either a student or a master.
The “Bible” of Karate: There is ancient Chinese manual called the Bubishi that contains the exact diagrams for many traditional kata. It’s been passed down for generations and is considered the spiritual and technical core of the art.
Olympic Rollercoaster: Karate made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021) but was cut from the 2024 Paris Games. However, it’s currently on the shortlist for Los Angeles 2028!

If you’re wondering how a secret self-defense system evolved into a global sport, you’re in the right place. Stick around, because the story gets wilder than a Gekisai Dai kata.

For a deeper dive into the mechanics, check out our guide on karate.

📜 From Ancient Ryukyu to Modern Dojo: The Untold Origins of Karate History

You might picture a serene temple in Kyoto when you think of karate, but the real story begins in the humid, tropical heat of Okinawa. To understand where we are today, we have to rewind to a time when the island was a sovereign kingdom, the Ryukyu Kingdom, acting as a bustling trade hub between Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.

The Forbidden Art: Why Karate Was Born in Secret

In the 15th century, the Ryukyu Kingdom was a peaceful trade nation. But peace is fragile. In 1609, the Satsuma clan from mainland Japan invaded Okinawa. They imposed a strict weapon ban. No swords, no spears, no knives.

Imagine being a farmer in 1609 Okinawa. You can’t carry a sword to defend your family, but bandits and samurai still roam the land. What do you do? You turn your body into a weapon.

This is where Te (Okinawan for “Hand”) was born. It wasn’t a sport; it was a survival mechanism. It blended indigenous Okinawan fighting methods with Chinese Kenpo (Kung Fu) brought over by traders and diplomats. The result was a lethal, close-quarters combat system practiced in secret, often in the dead of night.

“In the early modern era, when China was highly revered, many martial artists traveled to China to practice Chinese kenpo, and added it to the ancient kenpo… and karate was born.” — Gichin Funakoshi

The Name Game: From “Tang Hand” to “Empty Hand”

For a long time, this art was called Tōde (Tang Hand), acknowledging its Chinese roots. But as Japan’s nationalism rose in the early 20th century, the connection to China became politically inconvenient.

In 1905, a master named Chōmo Hanashiro was the first to use the homophone 空手 (Kara-te), which literally means “Empty Hand.” This was a brilliant pivot. It kept the pronunciation but changed the meaning to reflect the philosophy of fighting without weapons. By 1936, a roundtable of masters in Naha officially cemented this change.

The First YouTube Video Perspective

You might have seen a video floating around online claiming to show the “first” karate demonstration. While we can’t embed the actual video here, the perspective of early footage (often cited as the first YouTube uploads of historical significance) highlights a crucial point: Modern karate is less than 10 years old.

The footage often shows that the uniforms, the bowing, and the structured curriculum we see today were standardized around 1936. Before that, it was a rough, unpolished street fighting art. The video analysis often points to the White Crane Kung Fu influence, noting how the “soft circular movements” of the crane blend with “hard straight motions” to create the unique biomechanics of karate.

The Bubishi: The Lost Manual

If you want to know the secret sauce, look no further than the Bubishi. This ancient Chinese manual, often called the “Bible of Karate,” was smuggled into Okinawa. It contains:

Combat diagrams matching modern kata.
Vital point strikes (Kyusho).
Herbal medicine recipes for treating injuries.

Many masters, including Chōjun Miyagi (founder of Goju-Ryu), kept this book hidden for decades. It’s the missing link that explains why certain movements in kata look so strange if you don’t know the self-defense application.

🥋 The Big Three: How Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Shito-Ryu Shaped Karate History

As karate moved from the shadows of Okinawa into the light of mainland Japan, it didn’t stay one monolithic style. It fractured, evolved, and specialized. While there are many styles today, three giants emerged that define the history of the art.

1. Shotokan: The “Big Wave” of Karate

Founder: Gichin Funakoshi
Philosophy: “There is no first attack in karate.”

Gichin Funakoshi is the man who brought karate to Japan. He was a schoolteacher who wanted to share his art but realized it needed to be “cleaned up” to be accepted by the Japanese public. He stripped away the most brutal elements, emphasized the Do (the way/spiritual path) over the Jutsu (the technique), and adopted the Judo ranking system.

Characteristics: Deep, long stances; powerful, linear movements; emphasis on speed and power.
Legacy: It’s the most widely practiced style in the world. If you’ve seen The Karate Kid, you’ve seen Shotokan.

2. Goju-Ryu: The Hard and Soft

Founder: Chōjun Miyagi
Philosophy: “The way of the hard and soft.”

While Funakoshi was in Tokyo, Chōjun Miyagi was in Naha, Okinawa, studying the White Crane style in China. He returned and founded Goju-Ryu. “Go” means hard, “Ju” means soft. This style mimics the breathing and flow of the crane.

Characteristics: Circular movements, close-range fighting, heavy emphasis on Sanchin (Three Battles) breathing exercises to build internal power.
Legacy: It preserved the older, more traditional Okinawan methods that Funakoshi had streamlined.

3. Shito-Ryu: The Encyclopedia

Founder: Kenwa Mabuni
Philosophy: Preserving the kata.

Kenwa Mabuni was a student of both Itosu (Shotokan’s teacher) and Miyagi (Goju-Ryu’s founder). He was a historian at heart. He wanted to save every single kata he could find before they disappeared.

Characteristics: A massive repertoire of kata (over 60), blending the linear power of Shotokan with the circular fluidity of Goju-Ryu.
Legacy: It’s often called the “encyclopedia” of karate because it contains so many variations of techniques.

Feature	Shotokan	Goju-Ryu	Shito-Ryu
Primary Influence	Chinese Northern Shaolin	Chinese White Crane	Both
Stance	Long, deep, linear	Short, natural, circular	Mix of both
Breathing	Natural, exhalation on strike	Ido (hard) and Iki (soft) breathing	Varied
Focus	Power, speed, distance	Close range, internal power	Kata preservation
Founder	Gichin Funakoshi	Chōjun Miyagi	Kenwa Mabuni

🏆 The Evolution of Karate: From Secret Self-Defense to Olympic Sport

Video: The History of Karate: Japanese Martial Art.

How did a secret village art become a global phenomenon? The journey is a rollercoaster of war, politics, and pop culture.

The 1920s: The Tokyo Debut

In 192, Gichin Funakoshi was invited to demonstrate karate at the First Physical Education Exhibition in Tokyo. It was a sensation. He stayed in Tokyo, opening a dojo in a university lecture hall. This was the moment karate went from “Okinawan Te” to “Japanese Karate.”

The 1950s: The JKA and Standardization

After World War II, the art was banned by the Allied Occupation, but it wasn’t explicitly forbidden like Judo. It resurfaced quickly. In 1949, the Japan Karate Association (JKA) was founded.

The JKA did something revolutionary: they created a standardized curriculum. Before this, every master taught differently. The JKA created a “scientific” system where every punch, kick, and stance had a “correct” way to be done. They also sent the “Four Heavenly Kings” (Taiji Kase, Keinosuke Enoeda, Hirokazu Kanazawa, Hiroshi Shirai) to Europe in 1965, spreading the style globally.

The 1970s: The Movie Effect

You can’t talk about karate history without mentioning Bruce Lee and The Karate Kid.

Bruce Lee: Though he founded Jet Kune Do, his early training was in Wing Chun, but his films popularized the idea of Asian martial arts to the West.
The Karate Kid (1984): This movie didn’t just make karate cool; it made it a rite of passage. “Wax on, wax off” became a cultural meme.

The 2020s: The Olympic Dream

Karate has been chasing the Olympic dream for decades. Finally, in 2016, the IOC approved it for the Tokyo 2020 Games. It debuted with two disciplines: Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring).

However, the road wasn’t smooth. Karate was excluded from the 2024 Paris Games due to the IOC’s desire to limit the number of sports. But the fight isn’t over. It is currently on the shortlist for Los Angeles 2028.

Did you know? The World Karate Federation (WKF) claims over 10 million practitioners, while Web Japan claims 50 million. The numbers vary wildly depending on who you ask!

🧠 The Mindset of a Warrior: Karate Philosophy and the Dōjō Kun

Video: The CHINESE ROOTS of Japanese Karate: Explained.

Karate is not just about breaking boards; it’s about breaking your own ego. The philosophy is as important as the punch.

The Dōjō Kun

Every dojo has a set of precepts, usually recited at the end of class. The most famous is the Shotokan Dōjō Kun, created by Gichin Funakoshi:

Seek perfection of character.
Be faithful.
Endeavor.
Respect others.
Refrain from violent behavior.

These aren’t just rules; they are a code of conduct for life. If you can’t control your temper in the dojo, you certainly can’t control it on the street.

The Concept of “Zanshin”

Zanshin means “remaining mind” or “awareness.” It’s the state of being alert even after you’ve struck an opponent. In a real fight, the threat doesn’t end when you hit them; you must remain aware of their friends, their weapons, or their next move.

The “One Strike, One Kill” Mentality

Traditional karate emphasizes Ippon-shobu (one-point victory). The idea is that if you have to fight, you must end it immediately with a single, decisive blow. This is why training is so intense. You aren’t practicing to “win points”; you’re practicing to survive.

🥊 Kihon, Kata, and Kumite: The Holy Trinity of Karate Training

Video: History of Karate.

If you walk into a dojo, you’ll see three pillars of training. Master these, and you master karate.

1. Kihon (Basics)

This is the alphabet of karate. You practice punches, blocks, and kicks in isolation.

Why it matters: You can’t write a poem if you don’t know the letters. Kihon builds muscle memory, balance, and power.
The Drill: You might do 10 reverse punches in a row. It’s boring, but it’s necessary.

2. Kata (Forms)

Kata are pre-arranged sequences of movements that simulate a fight against multiple imaginary opponents.

The Mystery: Why do we do kata? It’s not just dancing. Every movement in a kata has a bunkai (application). A block might actually be a throw; a punch might be a strike to the throat.
The Bubishi Connection: Many kata in the Bubishi match the diagrams in the ancient manual.

3. Kumite (Sparring)

This is where you test your skills against a live opponent.

Types:
Gohon Kumite: Five-step sparring (pre-arranged).
Jiyu Kumite: Free sparring (like a real fight).
Ippon Kumite: One-step sparring.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush into free sparring. If your Kihon and Kata aren’t solid, you’ll just be flailing your arms.

🌍 Karate Around the Globe: How the Martial Art Conquered the World

Video: The Modern History of Karate | From Okinawa to the World’s Martial Arts Stage.

Karate didn’t stay in Japan. It spread like wildfire.

The Americas

In 1957, Robert Trias opened the first dojo in the US in Phoenix, Arizona. He was a US Marine who learned karate in Okinawa. He founded the United States Karate Association (USKA).

Europe

The Japan Karate Association sent instructors to Europe in the 1960s. Taiji Kase went to France, Keinosuke Enoeda to England. They faced skepticism but won over the locals with their skill.

Asia and Oceania

Karate is huge in South Korea (influencing Taekwondo) and Southeast Asia. In Australia, it’s one of the most popular martial arts.

The Global Governing Bodies

WKF (World Karate Federation): The Olympic body. Focuses on sport karate.
WUKF (World Union of Karate-do Federations): More traditional, accepts multiple styles.

🎬 Karate in Pop Culture: From The Karate Kid to Modern MMA

Video: BASIC 4 MINUTE HISTORY OF KARATE.

Karate has shaped our culture more than almost any other martial art.

The Movies

The Karate Kid (1984): Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi. It taught us that “wax on, wax off” was actually training.
Cobra Kai (2018): The modern sequel that explores the gray areas of good and evil in karate.
Bloodsport (198): Jean-Claude Van Dame’s film, though more kickboxing, popularized the “tournament” trope.

Video Games

Street Fighter (1987): Ryu and Ken are iconic karate characters.
Karate Champ (1984): The first one-one fighting game.

Karate in MMA

For a long time, people said karate was “useless” in MMA because it was too sporty. Then came Lyoto Machida.

Lyoto Machida: A Shotokan black belt who used karate’s distance management and timing to become an UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
Stephen Thompson: An American Tetsushin Ryu Kempo Karateka who dominated the UFC welterweight division with his elusive, point-fighting style.

They proved that traditional karate, when adapted, is deadly effective in the cage.

🏅 The Belt System Explained: Decoding Karate Ranks and Grading

Video: The Most Important KARATE Master in History (Itosu Anko).

The colored belt system is a modern invention. Before the 1920s, there were only white belts (students) and black belts (masters).

The Journey

White (Kyū): Purity, a blank slate.
Yellow/Orange: The seed sprouting.
Green: The plant growing.
Blue: The sky, expanding knowledge.
Brown: The roots deepening.
Black (Dan): Not the end, but the beginning of true learning.

The Dan System

1st to 5th Dan: Practitioner/Instructor.
6th to 10th Dan: Master/Grandmaster.
10th Dan: The highest rank, often reserved for the founder of a style.

Note: The requirements for each belt vary wildly between styles. In Shotokan, you might need to perform 10 punches for a yellow belt. In Goju-Ryu, you might need to hold a Sanchin stance for 5 minutes.

🥋 Karate vs. Other Styles: How It Stacks Up Against Judo, Taekwondo, and Boxing

Video: Goju Ryu, Naha Te origins: Ryukyu – Roots of Okinawan Karate part 1.

How does karate compare to the other giants?

Feature	Karate	Judo	Taekwondo	Boxing
Primary Weapon	Hands & Feet	Throws & Grapling	Kicks	Hands
Range	Mid to Close	Close (Grapling)	Long (Kicking)	Close
Philosophy	Self-defense & Spirit	Maximum Efficiency	Speed & Flexibility	Ring Strategy
Sport Focus	Points & Kata	Throws & Pins	High Kicks & Speed	Knockouts
MA Viability	High (with adaptation)	High (Grapling)	Medium (Kicking)	High (Striking)

The Verdict: Karate offers a unique blend of striking and footwork that is hard to beat if you master the distance. But like any style, it needs to be adapted for modern combat.

🏋️ ♂️ Conditioning and Body Hardening: The Physical Demands of Traditional Karate

Video: History of Shotokan SPECIAL EDITION | ART OF ONE DOJO.

You don’t become a karate master by sitting on a couch. The physical demands are immense.

Sanchin Training

In Goju-Ryu, Sanchin is the core. It involves breathing hard while tensing every muscle in the body. It builds internal power and iron-hard conditioning.

Body Hardening

Traditional karateka condition their bodies by striking makiwara (striking posts), sandbags, and even bamboo.

Knuckles: Striking the makiwara hardens the knuckles.
Shins: Kicking heavy bags toughens the shins.
Abs: Conditioning the core to absorb body shots.

Warning: Don’t try this at home without a teacher! You can easily injure yourself if you don’t have proper form.

👥 Famous Masters and Legends: The Men and Women Who Defined Karate History

Who are the giants we stand on the shoulders of?

Gichin Funakoshi: The father of modern karate. He brought it to Japan and wrote the first books.
Chōjun Miyagi: The founder of Goju-Ryu. He kept the traditional Okinawan spirit alive.
Kenwa Mabuni: The historian who saved hundreds of kata.
Masutatsu Oyama: The founder of Kyokushin (Full Contact). He was known for fighting bulls with his bare hands (though the bull fights are debated).
Hirokazu Kanazawa: One of the “Four Heavenly Kings” who brought karate to the world.

❓ Common Myths and Misconceptions About Karate History Debunked

Let’s clear up some nonsense.

Myth 1: “Karate was invented by monks in a temple.”

Fact: While influenced by Shaolin monks, karate was developed by Okinawan farmers and fishermen who needed to defend themselves. It wasn’t a secret monk art.

Myth 2: “Karate is just for fighting.”

Fact: Modern karate emphasizes character development, discipline, and self-improvement. Funakoshi said, “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.”

Myth 3: “All karate styles are the same.”

Fact: Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, and Wado-Ryu are vastly different in technique, philosophy, and training methods.

Myth 4: “Karate is useless in a real fight.”

Fact: While sport karate has rules, the traditional applications (bunkai) are deadly effective. Lyoto Machida and Stephen Thompson proved this in the UFC.

Myth 5: “Karate originated in Japan.”

Fact: It originated in Okinawa, which was a separate kingdom. It was only later adopted by Japan.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. From the weapon-ban of 1609 Okinawa to the bright lights of the Tokyo Olympics, the history of karate is a testament to human resilience and adaptability. It started as a secret survival skill for farmers and evolved into a global sport that teaches discipline, respect, and self-control.

The Big Takeaway: Karate isn’t just about punching and kicking. It’s about the mindset. Whether you’re training for self-defense, fitness, or the Olympics, the core philosophy remains the same: Seek perfection of character.

If you’re thinking about starting, don’t let the myths stop you. Find a good dojo, respect the tradition, and remember: the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step (or a single punch).

Ready to start your journey? Check out our Karate Techniques guide to get a head start, or read our Fight Analysis to see how these techniques work in the real world.

🔗 Recommended Links

If you want to dive deeper into the world of karate, here are some essential resources and products we recommend:

Books:
Karate-Do: My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoshi – The autobiography of the father of modern karate.
The Bubishi: The Classic Manual of Combat – The ancient “Bible” of karate.
Advanced Karate by Masatoshi Nakayama – The definitive guide to Shotokan technique.
Gear:
Makiwara (Striking Post): Essential for conditioning your hands and feet.
Karate Gi: Look for a high-quality cotton gi from brands like Mizuno or Adidas.
Sparring Gear: Headgear, gloves, and shin guards from Century or Hayabusa.

👉 Shop Karate Gear on:

Amazon: Karate Gi & Gear Search
Century Martial Arts: Century Official Site
Hayabusa: Hayabusa Official Site

📚 Reference Links

Japan Karate Association (JKA): A Brief History of the Japan Karate Association
World Karate Federation (WKF): WKF Official Site
Okinawa Prefectural Assembly: Karate Day Designation
Wikipedia: Karate History
NBC Olympics: Karate 101: History

FAQ

What are the different belt ranks in karate and what are the requirements for achieving each level?

Karate uses a Kyū (student) and Dan (master) ranking system.

Kyū Ranks: Typically range from white (10th Kyū) to brown (1st Kyū). Requirements usually involve mastering basic techniques (Kihon), performing specific Kata, and demonstrating knowledge of the Dōjō Kun.
Dan Ranks: Start at 1st Dan (Black Belt) and go up to 10th Dan. Requirements become more rigorous, focusing on advanced Kata, teaching ability, and years of experience.
Note: Requirements vary significantly between styles (e.g., Shotokan vs. Goju-Ryu).

How has karate influenced other martial arts, such as taekwondo and kickboxing?

Karate had a massive influence on Taekwondo. Many Taekwondo founders studied karate in Okinawa and Japan before developing their own style. The early Taekwondo uniforms and ranking systems were directly borrowed from karate.
In Kickboxing, karate’s emphasis on powerful, linear strikes and footwork laid the groundwork for many Western kickboxing styles.

What are the key principles and philosophies of karate and how do they apply to everyday life?

The core principles include respect, discipline, humility, and self-control. The Dōjō Kun teaches us to seek perfection of character, be faithful, and refrain from violence. These principles apply to everyday life by helping us handle stress, resolve conflicts peacefully, and strive for self-improvement in our careers and relationships.

Who is the founder of modern karate and what were his contributions to the sport?

Gichin Funakoshi is widely considered the founder of modern karate. He introduced karate to mainland Japan in 192, standardized the curriculum, adopted the Judo ranking system, and changed the name from “Tang Hand” to “Empty Hand.” He also wrote the first books on karate, making it accessible to the general public.

What is the difference between Shotokan and Shito-ryu karate styles?

Shotokan focuses on deep, powerful, linear movements and long stances. It emphasizes speed and power. Shito-Ryu is a hybrid style that combines the linear power of Shotokan with the circular, fluid movements of Goju-Ryu. Shito-Ryu is known for having a much larger repertoire of Kata (over 60) compared to Shotokan.

How did karate become popular in Japan and spread to other countries?

Karate became popular in Japan after Gichin Funakoshi demonstrated it at the 192 Physical Education Exhibition in Tokyo. The Japan Karate Association (JKA), founded in 1949, played a crucial role in standardizing and spreading the art. In the 1960s, the JKA sent instructors to Europe and the US, and the popularity of martial arts films in the 1970s and 80s further fueled global interest.

What are the origins of karate and how did it develop over time?

Karate originated in the Ryukyu Kingdom (Okinawa) in the 15th century. It developed from a blend of indigenous Okinawan fighting methods (Te) and Chinese martial arts (Kenpo). It evolved from a secret self-defense system into a formalized martial art in the early 20th century, and finally into a global sport in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

What island was karate born on?

Karate was born on Okinawa, the largest of the Ryukyu Islands.

What is the summary of karate?

Karate is a Japanese martial art that originated in Okinawa. It focuses on striking techniques using punches, kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes. It emphasizes discipline, self-control, and character development. It has evolved from a secret self-defense system into a popular global sport and Olympic discipline.

Is karate Indian or Chinese?

Karate is not Indian. It has roots in Chinese martial arts (specifically Fujian White Crane and Southern Shaolin), but it was developed in Okinawa (which was a separate kingdom at the time) and later standardized in Japan.

Did karate originate in China or Japan?

Karate originated in Okinawa, which was a distinct kingdom with strong cultural ties to China. While it was heavily influenced by Chinese martial arts, it is considered a Japanese martial art today because it was systematized and popularized in Japan. The name “Karate” itself was changed from “Tang Hand” (Chinese Hand) to “Empty Hand” to reflect its Japanese identity.