When you mention the words martial arts, karate typically springs to mind before just about any other art. This fighting art is one of the most popular in the world. It was developed in Okinawa hundreds of years ago as a hybrid of skills and techniques learned from visiting tradesman and fisherman from China. With an emphasis on striking and punching, karate is an excellent self-defense tool for people of all ages.
Gichin Funakoshi is considered as one of the main fathers of karate and the developer of one of the martial arts’ most prominent styles, which is Shotokan karate. A native of Okinawa, Funakoshi is responsible for bringing karate to the attention of those in mainland Japan. In fact, he opened Tokyo’s first karate school in 1939, and these schools typically are just called a dojo.
Another father of karate would have to be Anko Itosu. He trained many prominent practitioners of karate such as the aforementioned Gichin Funakoshi. He also wrote the Tode Jukun or the Ten Precepts of Karate. This document highlighted the many benefits of teaching karate as well as establishing some important guidelines for training. Written in 1908, this document was read by officials at both the Japanese Ministry of War as well as the Ministry of Education and helped spark great interest in karate throughout the country.
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.
Leigh Metopher loves blogging about mixed martial arts advantages. For further details about martial arts San Marcos classes, or to find karate Encinitas programs, please check out the Team MAI website today.