History of Shorin Ryu Karate

Okinawa is the birthplace of modern day karatedo and kobudo. The following is a compilation of different sources of information about the evolution of Kobayashi Shorin Ryu and Okinawan Kobudo

 

Island of Okiniawa, Ryu Kyu Kingdom

 

Okinawan Karate dates to the sixth century when Bodhidharma's (Daruma), born in India, travels took him to China where he settled at a Shao-lin (Shorin in Japanese) Monastery. The introduction of ch’uan-fa ("fist way") occurred in the late 1300’s with the expansion of trade and cultural exchanges between Okinawa and China. Evidence suggests that ti ("hands"), in fact, was indigenous to Okinawa, (the birthplace of Karate), developing in the villages of Shuri, Naha and Tomari.

Historians believe that the art of Okinawa Ti, first originated independently of any other combat system. it is also believed that this system of unarmed combat can be traced back over 1000 years. Because the islanders were of not of wealthy status, weapons were scarce. Also the islands own un-unification gave rise to many aggressive warlords, each battling for supremacy of the island. As a result, these circumstances rendered a strong incentive for the evolution of unarmed combat.

By the mid 1340's, Okinawa entered into a trade relationship with China. This trade and political friendship allowed the Okinawan people to observe the different aspects of China, and were thus exposed to Chinese boxing systems. Furthermore, by the late 1300's, in a tributary relationship, 36 Chinese families and businessmen settled on Okinawa. These families brought with them a variety of skills, including Chinese martial arts.

 

 Shuri Castle, Okinawa

 

Through the 1400's, the island experienced much turmoil. At first the island was unified by King Sho Hashi in 1429. At this time the Okinawan's were still able to posses weapons. However in 1470, King Sho Hashi destroyed the former dynasty and made due with his own. Soon all arms were banned on the island, in fear that the reign might be over thrown. As a result, the emphasis on the fighting arts further progressed. The main villages of Okinawa are credited with the main styles that emerged from Okinawa Ti. From the village of Shuri, came Shuri Ti. From the village of Naha, came Naha Ti. Finally from the village of Tomari, came Tomari Ti.

Beside empty hand combat, the Okinawan's also began the practice of Kobudo (weapons). Because of King Sho Hashi's ban on the traditional weapons (such as the  commonly thought of weapons became known as the: Bo (six foot staff), the Eku (six foot oar), the Kama (grass or cain sickle), the Tonfa (utility handle), and the Nunchaku (horse bit, and even rice flail). However because the Okinawan's never restrained the practice of survival, it is conceivable that these particular weapons might not have been the only weapons practiced. In fact the Zen Okinawan Kobudo Renmei (Matayoshi Kobudo), makes use of the Kuwa (Japanee Hoe), the Timbei and Rochin (Shield and dagger), as well as the Nunti (Japanese like spear).

These styles of unarmed and armed combat were practiced in secrecy for years. Differences between Ti styles suggest the different influences of various Chinese styles. Shuri-Ti seem to utilize the external system of Shaolin boxing. While Naha-Ti incorporates the use of internal Taoist techniques. Tomari-Ti appears to be a mix of both internal and external fighting systems. These variances alone, are responsible for he evolvement the different systems into the distinct martial art styles they are today.

In 1609, Okinawa was seized by the Japanese Satsuma Samurai clan, for refusing to recognize Japan's newest Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. As a result, the Shogunate banned the Okinawa people from carrying weapons. This only further fueled the importance of further developing the martial arts as a means of survival.

Although at this time the Japanese had banned all trade relationships with other countries. The Japanese still, however, allowed Okinawa to trade with China. Although Kusanku is often believed to be a culmination of different Chinese officers, he is often referred to as one person. As is recorded, Tode Sakugawa began studying under Kusanku-sensei. The teachings of Kusanku enabled Sakugawa to combine the essence of both Ti and Chinese Boxing principles. These principles form the basis of modern day Shorin Ryu

 

Chosen Chibana Sensei

Hanshi Chosen Chibana was the first to differentiate his system of Shorin Ryu karate from others by naming it Kobayashi-ryu ("young forest" style),in 1930, instead of Shuri-ti or by his own name (e.g. Chibana-ti) as had been done in the past within the Shorin-ryu systems. This decision was brought on by the growth and development of ti, not only on Okinawa, but also with the foresight of international introduction.

 

  (Front-from right) Chojun Miyagi, Chomo Hanashiro, Kentsu Yabu,Chotoku Kyan
(Back-from right) Genwa Nakasone, Choshin Chibana, Choryo Maeshiro, Shinpan Shiroma

 

It is said that the traditional Okinawan martial arts called Te and Chinese Kenpo were blended together and developed into karate. Karate later underwent significant developments in Okinawa based on several factors, including the policy of banning weapons following the political centralization of King Shoshin (1477-1526) and the Satsuma Clan's invasion of Ryukyu (1609).

It later developed further through a process of systematization into 'Modern Karate', which actually had a lot to do with the efforts of the men known as the Chuko no so (The Revivers), including Sokon Matsumura (1828-1898) of the Shuri-te style, Kosaku Matsumora (1829-1898) of the Tomari-te style and Kanryo Higaonna (1853-1915) of the Naha-te style.

In 1908, 'The 10 Articles of Karate' prepared by Anko Itosu were submitted to the Educational Affairs Section of Okinawa Prefecture. After that, karate started being introduced into the school gymnastics curriculum, thus acquiring broad accessibility, in contrast to the previously secret principles of Isshi-soden (the complete transmission of a ryu's techniques only to your heir).

Back in the early 20^th century, karate began to be introduced throughout Japan by several master, including Gichin Funakoshi (1871-1954, Founder of Shotokan-ryu), Kenwa Mabuni (1891-1952, Founder of Shito-ryu;), Kanbun Uechi (1877-1948, Founder of Uechi-ryu;) and Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953, Founder of Goju-ryu). Also throughout Okinawa, karate was taught by masters such as Chotoku Kyan (1870-1945), Choki Motobu (1870-1941) and Choshin Chibana (1885-1969, Founder of Shorin-ryu).

It has been said that the original name of Tudi (or Tode) was changed to the name 'Karate' (empty hand) around this time.