Karate History

Karate History

Most Western students of Asian martial arts, if they have done any research on the subject at all, will surely have come across references to Bodhidharma. He is known as "Daruma" in Japan and as often as not, this Indian Buddhist monk is cited as the prime source for all martial arts styles or at the very least, for any style which traces its roots back to the fabled Shaolin Temple. However, the question of his contributions to the martial arts and to Zen Buddhism and even of his very existence has been a matter of controversy among historians and martial arts scholars for many years (Spiessbach,1992).

As legend has it, the evolution of karate began over a thousand years ago, possibly as early as the fifth century BC when Bodhidharma arrived in Shaolin-si (small forest temple), China from India and taught Zen Buddhism. He also introduced a systematized set of exercises designed to strengthen the mind and body, exercises which allegedly marked the beginning of the Shaolin style of temple boxing. Bodhidharma's teachings later became the basis for the majority of Chinese martial arts. In truth, the origins of karate appear to be somewhat obscure and little is known about the early development of karate until it appeared in Okinawa.

Okinawa is a small island of the group that comprises modern day Japan. It is the main island in the chain of Ryuku Islands which spans from Japan to Taiwan. Surrounded by coral, Okinawa is approximately 10 km (6 mi) wide and only about 110 km (less than 70 mi) long. It is situated 740 km (400 nautical mi) east of mainland China, 550 km (300 nautical miles) south of mainland Japan and an equal distance north of Taiwan. Being at the crossroads of major trading routes, its significance as a "resting spot" was first discovered by the Japanese. It later developed as a trade center for southeastern Asia, trading with Japan, China, Indo China, Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo and the Philippines.
In its earliest stages, the martial art known as "karate" was an indigenous form of closed fist fighting which was developed in Okinawa and called Te, or 'hand'. Weapons bans, imposed on the Okinawans at various points in their history, encouraged the refinement of empty-hand techniques and, for this reason, was trained in secret until modern times. Further refinement came with the influence of other martial arts brought by nobles and trade merchants to the island.

Te continued to develop over the years, primarily in three Okinawan cities: Shuri, Naha and Tomari. Each of these towns was a center to a different sect of society: kings and nobles, merchants and business people, and farmers and fishermen, respectively. For this reason, different forms of self-defense developed within each city and subsequently became known as Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te. Collectively they were called Okinawa-Te or Tode, 'Chinese hand'. Gradually, karate was divided into two main groups: Shorin-ryu which developed around Shuri and Tomari and Shorei-ryu which came from the Naha area. "It is important to note, however, that the towns of Shuri, Tomari, and Naha are only a few miles apart, and that the differences between their arts were essentially ones of emphasis, not of kind. Beneath these surface differences, both the methods and aims of all Okinawan karate are one in the same" (Howard, 1991). Gichin Funakoshi goes further to suggest that these two styles were developed based on different physical requirements Funakoshi, 1935). Shorin-ryu was quick and linear with natural breathing while Shorei-ryu emphasized steady, rooted movements with breathing in synchrony with each movement. Interestingly, this concept of two basic styles also exists in kung-fu with a similar division of characteristics (Wong, 1978).

The Chinese character used to write Tode could also be pronounced 'kara' thus the name Te was replaced with kara te - jutsu or 'Chinese hand art' by the Okinawan Masters. This was later changed to karate-do by Gichin Funakoshi who adopted an alternate meaning for the Chinese character for kara, 'empty'. From this point on the term karate came to mean 'empty hand'. The Do in karate-do means 'way' or 'path', and is indicative of thediscipline and philosophy of karate with moral and spiritual connotations.

The concept of Do has been prevalent since at least the days of the Okinawan Scholar Teijunsoku born in 1663, as this passage from a poem he wrote suggests:

No matter how you may excel in the art of te,
And in your scholastic endeavors,
Nothing is more important than your behavior
And your humanity as observed in daily life.

(Nagamine,1976)

The first public demonstration of karate in Japan was in 1917 by Gichin Funakoshi, at the Butoku-den in Kyoto (Hassell 1984). This, and subsequent demonstrations, greatly impressed many Japanese, including the Crown-Prince Hirohito, who was very enthusiastic about the Okinawan art. In 1922, Dr. Jano Kano, founder of the Japanese art of Judo, invited Funakoshi to demonstrate at the famous Kodokan Dojo and to remain in Japan to teach karate. This sponsorship was instrumental in establishing a base for karate in Japan. As an Okinawan "peasant art," karate would have been scorned by the Japanese without the backing of so formidable a martial arts master (Maliszewski, 1992).

Today there are four main styles of karate-do in Japan: Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, Shotokan, and Wado-ryu:

Goju-ryu developed out of Naha-te, its popularity primarily due to the success of Kanryo Higaonna (1853-1915). Higaonna opened a dojo in Naha using eight forms brought from China. His best student, Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953) later founded Goju-ryu, 'hard soft way' in 1930. In Goju-ryu much emphasis is placed on combining soft circular blocking techniques with quick strong counter attacks delivered in rapid succession.

Shito-ryu was founded by Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952) in 1928 and was influenced directly by both Naha-te and Shuri-te. The name Shito is constructively derived from the combination of the Japanese characters of Mabuni's teachers' names - Ankoh Itosu and Kanryo Higaonna. Shito-ryu schools use a large number of kata, about fifty, and is characterized by an emphasis on power in the execution of techniques.

Shotokan was founded by Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) in Tokyo in 1938. Funakoshi is considered to be the founder of modern karate. Born in Okinawa, he began to study karate with Yasutsune Azato, one of Okinawa's greatest experts in the art. In 1921 Funakoshi first introduced Karate to Tokyo. In 1936, at nearly 70 years of age, he opened his own training hall. The dojo was called Shotokan after the pen name used by Funakoshi to sign poems written in his youth. Shotokan Karate is characterized by powerful linear techniques and deep strong stances.

Wado-ryu, 'way of harmony', founded in 1939 is a system of karate developed from jujitsu and karate by Hienori Otsuka as taught by one of his instructors, Gichin Funakoshi. This style of karate combines basic movements of jujitsu with techniques of evasion, putting a strong emphasis on softness and the way of harmony or spiritual discipline.

American Freestyle Martial Arts

American Freestyle is not a new concept of Martial Arts; it’s more of a way we like to do things here in America. We love the fast pace lifestyle, things that make sense and most of all to be the best. American Freestyle is taking that short description and making it into reality.

The name "American Freestyle" is not owned by anyone much like Karate, Kung Fu, Tae kwon do, Judo, etc. All of these names are the type of styles that are taught within their country. A good example is Tai chi, this is a system that has its base in Kung fu, but even Tai chi has different names and ways in which it is taught. Most of the names of a new founded system came from the creator of that system. Another great example is Isshin Ryu, this system, created by Tatsuo Shimabuku in 1954, comes from systems he studied, such as Goju Ryu, Shorin Ryu, Okinawan Weapons, etc. With all of these styles combined he created one system, but it still falls under the style of Karate, because Karate has its base in Japan.

American Freestyle Martial Arts taught at United World Martial Arts is no different then all other styles, except its base is here in America. U.W.M.A. American Freestyle (A.F.), is a blended system of such arts as, Isshin Ryu, Okinawan Weapons, Kempo, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Kendo, Iadio, Filipino Stick Fighting, etc. All of these systems that Master Sanchez has studied are broken down and modified to bring out the best martial artist in the student. Master Sanchez has been in the Martial arts since the age of seven, when he studied Tae kwon do and Kuk Sool Won. After years of training with his instructor in Fort Smith Arkansas, he later moved to private one on one instruction. For several years Master Sanchez was looking for something else that would expand his mind and test his skill. He found that in the system of Isshin Ryu.

In his first month of training in Isshin Ryu, Master Sanchez started to work out side by side with a fellow student. The student, himself also new to training in Isshin Ryu, and Master Sanchez both decided to help one-another train and learn this system together. The student with his amazing power and Master Sanchez with his speed became the most powerful team on the floor. That powerful students name was Butch Klawon (Sensei Butch).

Master Sanchez and Sensei Butch would train for days and nights at home, just to try to be the best at what they do. This partnership that started out as white belts grew even faster when we added the third musketeer. This guy was amazing; with all his years of training, Master Sanchez himself could not perform kicks like this student. So with Master Sanchez and his speed, Sensei Butch and his power, we needed technique and grace, this was achieved in the student Mike Bress (Sensei Mike). Sensei Mike already a higher rank in Isshin Ryu then Master Sanchez and Sensei Butch, he was a perfect fit. Years and years of training for all of us brought the first black belt in Isshin Ryu to our friend Sensei Mike. The day was great, it was like Sensei Butch and Master Sanchez both received their black belts in Isshin Ryu.

It would not be until later when both Sensei Butch and Master Sanchez would receive black belts on the same day. The bond that carried us together as white belts grew even stronger as black belts. What started out as Karate partners eventually transformed into an incredible friendship. Training even harder than ever, Master Sanchez, Sensei Butch and Sensei Mike faced life choices. With Sensei Butch in pursuit of a family, and Sensei Mike in pursuit of a career. This left Master Sanchez to continue his training and forced him to train even harder without the support of his best friends.

With a new System under his belt and the urge to learn more, Master Sanchez sought out such arts as Kendo, Iadio “Sword Fighting”, and Filipino stick fighting. It wasn’t until Master Sanchez started to take Kempo and training in Aikido, when he discovered that there has to be a better way to train. After several conversations with his long time friends from Isshin Ryu, Sensei Butch Klawon and Sensei Mike Bress, he decided to take all material he had written down over the years and formulate a new system, U.W.M.A. American Freestyle Martial Arts.

Like all systems you must have a strong foundation, and the foundation could not be stronger with the support of Sensei Butch and Sensei Mike. Master Sanchez would train day and night coming up with new and exciting ways to defend yourself, but the system lacked one key element, someone to test it on. Master Sanchez found that person training in the same gym as himself. A student Master Sanchez used to train in his old Isshin Ryu School who had accomplished his second degree black belt. Nick Pasquarella (Sensei Nick) would prove to be one of the most fluid people to throw that Master Sanchez has ever had the pleasure to work with. Sensei Nick and Master Sanchez would spend countless evenings at the gym practicing throws, joint locks and pressure point, which is the foundation of self defense in U.W.M.A. A.F.

With the ground work laid out for A.F. it was time to work on Kata. Kata is one of the most traditional ways for a martial artist to further his/her skill. Kata, translated as “Basic Form”, is designed to teach a student the basic fundamentals of blocking and striking an imaginary opponent. Most of the Kata’s found in A.F. came from the system of Isshin Ryu and Kempo. Master Sanchez felt the system needed a little originality, so he decided to create more practical ways to train in a basic form. The first Kata created was Kihon Teki Bo, translated as “Basic Technique Bo” created to assist the student in the fundamentals of defending yourself with a Bo “Staff”. The second Kata would follow the same guideline, Kihon Teki Sai, translated as “Basic Technique Sai”. The third Kata would be called Senjou, translated as “Battlefield”. This would be the last empty hand Kata you would learn to receive your black belt. The fourth and final Kata in the system is Shindo, translated as “Devastation”. This Kata would be taught as a second or third degree black belt. Shindo has not been shown to anyone and it still remains a secret to all, only Master Sanchez himself knows this Kata.

It may be confusing to some people, as to why Master Sanchez would name the Kata’s in Japanese, when he is teaching A.F. This is done out of respect for the foundation that he has learned in the traditional art of Karate.

Now that Master Sanchez has the Kata’s for the system and the self-defense ready, it was time to have outside people judge his talent. Master Sanchez sought out the Independent Martial Arts Federation. This is a council of Grandmasters in their own systems who review potential students who wish to take the next step and become a Grandmaster in their own system. This step is not an easy one, you must have at least 20 years in the Martial Arts, and hold several black belts in multiple systems. You must also posses above average skills, and have taught for no less then 10 years. Master Sanchez submitted all of this plus the break down of his system.

Over 6 months had passed and Master Sanchez was now training His old friends Sensei Butch and Sensei Mike in this new system of martial arts. Finally Master Sanchez received the word that he has discovered a new system and may assume any rank inside of that system he so chooses. Master Sanchez proud of what he had accomplished could have taken up the name of “Soke” or “Grandmaster”, but Master Sanchez believes that everything comes in time and even he is not above true hard work.

That is why Master Sanchez only took the rank of the lowest possible Master, fifth degree. Master Sanchez in time will slowly assume the rank that has already been given to him, but only trough hard work and training will any of us progress.

With all that had happened to Master Sanchez he never stopped training his two friends Sensei Butch and Sensei Mike. With the backing of a federation of Grandmasters and the support of his Wife and his Friends Master Sanchez decided it was time to share his art with the world. Sensei Butch was the first one to suggest to Master Sanchez that he was ready to open his own school. That’s when Master Sanchez sticking by his best friend was honored to take Sensei Butch as a partner in business. Now he had a partner and two great students that had followed him, Master Sanchez was ready.

Bestowing the rank of second degree black belts to Sensei Butch and Sensei Mike was an honor for Master Sanchez, but the biggest honor was making them “Head Instructors”. This honor will only be given to loyal students who have proven their value, commitment and dedication, not to Master Sanchez, but the art itself and the students. It is easy to be fast, to be strong and to have great technique, but it is a true Martial Artists who can teach beyond his own self-worth.

Thank you for taking the time and reading about how United World Martial Arts American Freestyle was founded. Should you ever have questions on its true worth do not look at Master Sanchez, look at his students. For you’re only as good as your worst student.