For those new to the world of karate, it is worth knowing that it is both a philosophical and physical practice. Originating in Okinawa, Japan, karate is now taught worldwide and loved by over 50 million people who follow its teachings.
However, the practice has evolved significantly over time, leading to important differences between the karate taught in Okinawa and that taught in the rest of Japan.
With this in mind, let’s explore what are the key differences between Okinawan and Japanese karate to help you choose a style and form that you will love.
What Are the Origins of Karate?
Although we can say that karate originated in Okinawa, it heavily developed from a combination of indigenous fighting methods and Chinese kenpo. It all started before the 19th century, as practitioners developed it in the Ryukyu Kingdom before Japan annexed the territory. This is when Chinese families established themselves in the region and shared their unique fighting styles. In addition, the banning of fighting with weapons later on was another reason why karate’s popularity increased.
Later, in the 20th century, it was brought to mainland Japan when cultural exchanges between Rykyuans and Japanese were common. This set the stage for karate’s expansion to the rest of Japan.
For a look at a few key important dates along karate’s development timeline, take a look below:
- In 1901, Okinawan karate was introduced into Okinawa’s public schools.Teachers taught these forms to children at the elementary school level.
- In 1922, the Japanese Ministry of Education invited Gichin Funakoshi to Tokyo to give a karate demonstration. He is considered the father of modern karate and popularized the practice on the main islands of Japan.
- In 1924, Keio University established the first university karate club in Japan.
- In 1924 Gichin Funakoshi adopted the Dan system from judo founder Jigoro Kano using a rank scheme with a limited set of belt colors.
- By 1932, major Japanese universities had karate clubs.
- In 1934, officials recognized Wadō-ryu karate as an independent style of karate. They officially registered this style in 1938.
- In 1936, Funakoshi built a dojo in Tokyo, and people generally call the style he left behind Shotokan.
- After the Second World War, Okinawa became an important United States military site and karate became popular among servicemen stationed there.
- In the 1960s and 1970s, many martial arts movies were released that increased karate’s popularity, leading to the development of karate schools across the world.
Today, modern Japanese style training emphasizes the psychological elements incorporated into a proper attitude alongside the physical elements. It focuses on aspects and skills such as perseverance, fearlessness, virtue, and leadership skills.
Historical Roots: Okinawan Karate vs. Japanese Karate
Chinese martial arts greatly influenced the indigenous Okinawan fighting techniques. The cultural exchanges, trade, education, and other activities during the 19th century created what we now know as Okinawan karate.
However, beyond the islands of Okinawa, karate was introduced to Japan In the 20th century and this development of Japanese karate spread to global recognition over the next few decades.
Technical Differences Between Okinawan and Japanese Karate
While the traditional Okinawan karate is still popular and practiced today, it has several subtle and not-so-subtle differences with Japanese karate.
Let’s explore what these are in more detail below:
- Higher stances: Okinawan karate has higher stances than Japanese karate because it’s a more natural stance that doesn’t put as much pressure for one’s feet, knees, and back.
- Training focus: Also, Okinawan karate focuses on meaning over execution. Primarily Okinawan karate focused on self-defense. As such, the “why” is more important than the “how”. This contrasts with how practitioners perform karate in Japanese dojos.
- Striking methods: Okinawant karate also focuses on full-body power that transfers energy to an opponent in a type of “shock wave” approach. Also, this karate style uses weapons whereas Japanese karate is mainly empty-handed. Lastly, Okinawan karate focuses on grabbing, seizing, twisting and dislocating an opponent’s joints. It can also include choking, unbalancing, throwing, trapping hands, hitting pressure points and nerve bundles. Regular Japanese karate classes rarely teach these aspects.
Key Okinawan Karate Styles and Their Unique Features
Wondering about the traditional styles of Okinawan karate? There are several worth knowing about. Let’s take a look:
- Shorin-Ryū: This is one of the oldest styles of Okinawan karate. It focuses on swift and fast techniques based on the strategy of evasion. At the same time, it also focuses on attacking sensitive spots of the body with hits.
- Gōjū-Ryū: This style features both hard and soft techniques, including circular and linear methods. It also features kicks and close hand punches. You can control your opponent through locks, grappling, takedowns, and throws. Other important characteristics include learning blocking and attacking.
Other Okinawan styles include Shidōkan, Isshin-Ryū, Uechi-ryu, and Matsubayashi-Ryu.
Key Japanese Karate Styles
And now, we move on to the key Japanese karate styles:
- Shotokan karate: Developed by Gichin Funakoshi in 1938 and makes use of linear techniques and wide stances, designed to quickly deliver power strikes. It places strong emphasis on traditional kata.
- Goju-Ryu: It was founded by Chojun Miyagi in 1930. It includes soft circular blocking techniques and incorporates elements from traditional Okinawan Gōjū-Ryū.
- Wado-Ryu: This style of karate was established by Hironori Otsuka. It focuses on harmonic basic movements that evade an attacker without much force. It is a form of karate with jujitsu techniques.
- Shito-Ryu: Shito-Ryu was created by Kenwa Mabuni and combines elements from both Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu. Its main focus is on power and accuracy in striking.
When it comes to practicing karate, Action Karate is a great resource for anyone looking to get started and refine their techniques. With certified black-belt instructors, our friendly team focuses on creating a welcoming environment for both children and adults.
Why not reach out to us to talk about where you see yourself on your karate journey and let us help bring mental and physical harmony back in your life.