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Why Okinawa?
Karate
In the latter half of the 14th century when trade with Asian countries began, the Chinese martial art of "Kung fu" was introduced to Okinawa together with various other items. It is said that karate was born from the integration of "Kung fu" with Okinawa's unique traditional martial art “Ti” (the word "Ti" originally means "hand" in Japanese language). Later, karate gradually spread to the mainland and overseas, and today, friendship through karate goes on all across the world. It has developed into a martial art known across borders by a multitude of people.
Origin of Karate
It is said that karate’s original style was born from the integration of Okinawa's unique traditional martial art “Ti” passed down since ancient times with Chinese “Kung fu” after the 14th century when trade with China began. The development of karate was significantly helped along by political policies. The Ryukyu Dynasty implemented a policy of collecting swords from island residents and even after the incorporation of the Ryukyu Dynasty into the Edo feudal government, another policy of collecting weapons such as swords and spears from island residents was implemented. Later, many schools evolved in the 20th century and karate was systematized as the current modern karate.
Approach of Okinawa
While mastering the techniques of karate, one can train the body and mind and enhance one’s human qualities. After the 19th century, the techniques were gradually released to the general public instead of being passed down from individual to individual, and now, 50 million practitioners in more than 150 countries enjoy karate. Okinawa Prefecture is also proactively communicating with other prefectures in Japan and various other countries through karate. As an example, Okinawa Prefecture has implemented an approach to develop and spread karate further including holding “The 2009 Okinawa Traditional Karatedo World Tournament”.
