Legends Of Karate

By Leigh Metopher


As one of the world's most widely known and practiced martial arts, karate teaches many key skills of self-defense. While striking and punching tend to be the most common techniques, many varieties of karate also focus on knee and elbow strikes, kicking, grapping and even joint locks. This sport developed from ancient martial arts brought from China to the islands of Okinawa many hundreds of years ago.

It might surprise one to note that karate has only been practiced in mainland Japan since the early 20th century, although in Okinawa it has been continuously developed over about 400 years. Gichin Funakoshi is largely credited with introducing karate to the rest of Japan, and he opened the first dojo, or school for karate, in 1939. He also is the father of one of the most prominent forms of karate - Shotokan karate.

Anko Itosu also is known as a father of modern karate, and while Funakoshi brought karate from Okinawa into Japan, Itosu is known for his 1908 writing "Ten Precepts of Karate." This document details the basic principles of karate and was presented to Japan's Ministry of War and the Ministry of Education. The officials were impressed by Itosu's writing and it generated interest in karate throughout Japan. While Funakoshi opened the first dojo, it is important to note that he learned much of skills from his Itosu, who was his teacher.

Americans serving in Asia during World War II, particularly in Okinawa and the Solomon Islands, quickly embraced the art of karate. Robert Trias learned his karate skills while serving in the Solomon Islands. He became learned enough that once he got back home to Arizona, he started teaching karate to others in his backyard. Trias opened the U.S.'s first dojo in 1946. In 1948, he started the United States Karate Association.

Throughout the centuries, there have been many key figures in the development and spread of karate. Today, this martial art is just one of the components that might appear in the arsenal of a mixed martial arts fighter, such as famed UFC champ Lyoto Machida. Machida's father was the head of the Brazilian branch of the Japan Karate Association, so it's not surprising that Lyoto Machida is quite skilled in the ways of karate.

If you are looking for karate classes in Encinitas, karate classes in San Marcos or karate classes in Carlsbad, consider contacting Team Mai. They offer classes for children and teens, and focus not only on teaching the skills of karate but instilling a sense of self-confidence in each student, as well as teaching discipline and respect in a fun and exciting environment.




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