HISTORY OF KARATE
🏯 The Historical Roots of KarateKarate was born in the Ryukyu Islands, now known as Okinawa, Japan.
During the 17th century, Okinawan warriors and scholars combined their native self-defense methods, known as Te, with techniques learned from Chinese martial arts brought through trade and cultural exchange.
Over time, these blended systems evolved into what would become known as Karate — a disciplined form of self-defense emphasizing body control, awareness, and moral conduct.
Karate’s early development was centered in the Okinawan cities of Shuri, Naha, and Tomari, giving rise to the foundational styles of Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te, which later evolved into the modern systems recognized today — Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, and Wado-Ryu.
👤 Gichin Funakoshi and the Spirit of Modern KarateGichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) was a humble Okinawan schoolteacher who believed Karate should be more than a method of fighting — it should be a path of personal development and moral refinement.
When Funakoshi brought Karate to mainland Japan in 1922, he introduced not only the physical practice, but also a philosophy rooted in discipline, respect, and self-control.
He founded Shotokan Karate, named after his pen name “Shoto,” meaning “pine waves.”
Funakoshi emphasized that the ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of character.
This guiding belief became the spiritual core of authentic Karate and continues to shape traditional dojos worldwide.
🏛️ The Japan Karate Association (JKA) and the Global ExpansionIn 1949, following the devastation of World War II, Funakoshi’s senior students formed the Japan Karate Association (JKA) to preserve and formalize the teaching of Shotokan Karate.
The JKA established strict technical standards, instructor qualifications, and a curriculum based on kihon (basics), kata(forms), and kumite (sparring).
Under this leadership, Karate spread from Japan to the rest of the world — maintaining its original principles of respect, humility, and discipline.
Through organizations like the JKA, Karate evolved into a global martial art, recognized not just for its effectiveness in combat, but for its ability to develop strong character and leadership in those who practice it sincerely.
💠 The Philosophy of Karate-DoThe term “Karate-Do” (空手道) means the Way of the Empty Hand.
The suffix -Do signifies a lifelong journey of self-improvement — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
True Karate is not about aggression or competition; it is about learning to control oneself before attempting to control others.
This principle is expressed in Funakoshi’s Twenty Precepts of Karate, which teach humility, patience, courtesy, and perseverance.
At its heart, Karate-Do is a philosophy of living — one that cultivates discipline, confidence, and respect for others in every aspect of life.
🥋 Claycomb Academy and the Legacy of TraditionAt Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts in Fontana, California, we are proud to preserve the values and principles of authentic Japanese Karate.
Our teachings are rooted in the same traditions passed down from Okinawa and Japan — through disciplined training, respect for lineage, and dedication to personal growth.
We believe Karate is not merely a sport or performance art — it is a lifelong practice that shapes the body, mind, and spirit.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned martial artist, our goal is to help every student embody the true meaning of Karate-Do:
To seek perfection of character, to be faithful, to endeavor, to respect others, and to refrain from violent behavior.
During the 17th century, Okinawan warriors and scholars combined their native self-defense methods, known as Te, with techniques learned from Chinese martial arts brought through trade and cultural exchange.
Over time, these blended systems evolved into what would become known as Karate — a disciplined form of self-defense emphasizing body control, awareness, and moral conduct.
Karate’s early development was centered in the Okinawan cities of Shuri, Naha, and Tomari, giving rise to the foundational styles of Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te, which later evolved into the modern systems recognized today — Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, and Wado-Ryu.
👤 Gichin Funakoshi and the Spirit of Modern KarateGichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) was a humble Okinawan schoolteacher who believed Karate should be more than a method of fighting — it should be a path of personal development and moral refinement.
When Funakoshi brought Karate to mainland Japan in 1922, he introduced not only the physical practice, but also a philosophy rooted in discipline, respect, and self-control.
He founded Shotokan Karate, named after his pen name “Shoto,” meaning “pine waves.”
Funakoshi emphasized that the ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of character.
This guiding belief became the spiritual core of authentic Karate and continues to shape traditional dojos worldwide.
🏛️ The Japan Karate Association (JKA) and the Global ExpansionIn 1949, following the devastation of World War II, Funakoshi’s senior students formed the Japan Karate Association (JKA) to preserve and formalize the teaching of Shotokan Karate.
The JKA established strict technical standards, instructor qualifications, and a curriculum based on kihon (basics), kata(forms), and kumite (sparring).
Under this leadership, Karate spread from Japan to the rest of the world — maintaining its original principles of respect, humility, and discipline.
Through organizations like the JKA, Karate evolved into a global martial art, recognized not just for its effectiveness in combat, but for its ability to develop strong character and leadership in those who practice it sincerely.
💠 The Philosophy of Karate-DoThe term “Karate-Do” (空手道) means the Way of the Empty Hand.
The suffix -Do signifies a lifelong journey of self-improvement — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
True Karate is not about aggression or competition; it is about learning to control oneself before attempting to control others.
This principle is expressed in Funakoshi’s Twenty Precepts of Karate, which teach humility, patience, courtesy, and perseverance.
At its heart, Karate-Do is a philosophy of living — one that cultivates discipline, confidence, and respect for others in every aspect of life.
🥋 Claycomb Academy and the Legacy of TraditionAt Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts in Fontana, California, we are proud to preserve the values and principles of authentic Japanese Karate.
Our teachings are rooted in the same traditions passed down from Okinawa and Japan — through disciplined training, respect for lineage, and dedication to personal growth.
We believe Karate is not merely a sport or performance art — it is a lifelong practice that shapes the body, mind, and spirit.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned martial artist, our goal is to help every student embody the true meaning of Karate-Do:
To seek perfection of character, to be faithful, to endeavor, to respect others, and to refrain from violent behavior.