Editing Karate (section)

==History==
=== Origin ===
There are several theories regarding the origins of karate, but the main ones are as follows.

==== Theory of development from ''mēkata'' ====
In Okinawa there was an ancient martial dance called ''mēkata'' ({{lang|ja|舞方}}). The dancers danced to the accompaniment of songs and ''[[sanshin]]'' music, similar to karate kata. In the Okinawan countryside, ''mēkata'' remained until the early 20th century. There is a theory that from this ''mēkata'' with martial elements, ''te'' (Okinawan:''tī'', hand) was born and developed into karate. This theory is advocated by [[Ankō Asato]] and his student Gichin Funakoshi.<ref name = "Asato1914">{{Cite news|author1 = Asato, Ankō |author2 = Funakoshi, Gichin |title = 沖縄の武技 |trans-title = Martial Arts of Okinawa |publisher = Ryukyu Shimpo |date = 17 January 1914 |language = ja }}</ref>

==== Theory of introduction by thirty-six families from Min ====
It is said that in 1392 a group of professional people known as the "[[Thirty-six families from Min]]" migrated to [[Kumemura|Kume Village]] (now Kume, Naha City) in Naha from Fujian Province in the Ming Dynasty at that time. They brought with them advanced learning and skills to Ryukyu, and there is a theory that Chinese kenpō, the origin of karate, was also brought to Ryukyu at this time.

There is also the "[[Keichō]] import theory," which states that karate was brought to Ryukyu after the invasion of Ryukyu by the [[Satsuma Domain]] (Keichō 14, 1609), as well as the theory that it was introduced by [[Kōshōkun]] (Okinawan: Kūsankū) based on the description in ''Ōshima Writing''.<ref>{{Cite book |last = Miyagi |first = Chojun |title = 唐手道概説 |trans-title = Overview of Karate-dō |publisher = Ryukyu Karate-jutsu International Research Association |date = 1934 |language = ja }}</ref>

==== Other theories ====
There are also other theories, such as that it developed from Okinawan [[sumo]] (''shima'') or that it originated from [[jujutsu]], which had been introduced from Japan.<ref>{{Cite book |last1 = Shimakura |first1 = Ryuji |last2 = Majikina Anko |title = 沖縄一千年史 |trans-title = A Thousand Year History of Okinawa |publisher = Nihon University |date = 1923 |page = 353 |language = ja}}</ref>

===Okinawa===
{{Main|Okinawan martial arts}}

==== 15th–17th centuries ====
[[File:King Sho Shin.jpg|thumb|alt=King Shō Shin|King Shō Shin]]
The reason for the development of unarmed combat techniques in Ryukyu has conventionally been attributed to a policy of banning weapons, which is said to have been implemented on two occasions. The first was during the reign of King [[Shō Shin]] (1476–1526; r. 1477–1527), when weapons were collected from all over the country and strictly controlled by the royal government. The second time was after the invasion of Ryukyu by the Satsuma Domain in 1609. Through the two policies, the popular belief that Ryukyuan samurai, who were deprived of their weapons, developed karate to compete with Satsuma's samurai has traditionally been referred to as if it were a historical fact.<ref>{{Cite book |last = Funakoshi |first = Gichin |title = 琉球拳法 唐手 |trans-title = Ryūkyū Kenpō Karate |publisher = Bukyōsha |date = 1922 |pages = 21, 22 |language = ja |url = https://dl.ndl.go.jp/pid/971654/1/22 |access-date = 31 December 2023 |archive-date = 31 December 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231231021552/https://dl.ndl.go.jp/pid/971654/1/22 |url-status = live }}</ref>

But in recent years many researchers have questioned the causal relationship between the policy of banning weapons and the development of karate.<ref name = "Kinjo2011">{{Cite book |last = Kinjo |first = Hiroshi |title = 唐手から空手へ |trans-title = From Karate to Karate |date = 2011 |publisher = Nippon Budokan |pages = 139, 140 |isbn = 978-4583104294 }}</ref> For example, as the basis for King Shō Shin's policy of banning weapons, an inscription on the parapet of the main hall of Shuri Castle ({{lang|ja|百浦添欄干之銘}}, 1509), which states that "swords, bows and arrows are to be piled up exclusively as weapons of national defense,"<ref>The original text is in Chinese, "専積刀剣弓矢以為護国之利器."</ref> has been conventionally interpreted as meaning "weapons were collected and sealed in a warehouse." However, in recent years, researchers of Okinawan studies have pointed out that the correct interpretation is that "swords, bows and arrows were collected and used as weapons of the state."<ref>{{Cite journal |last = Uezato |first = Takashi |title = 古琉球の軍隊とその歴史的展開 |trans-title = Old Ryukyuan Military and Its Historical Development |journal = Ryukyu Asiatic Studies of Society and Culture |issue = 5 |date = October 2002 |pages = 105–128 |url = https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1520009408326976000 |language = ja |access-date = 31 December 2023 |archive-date = 31 December 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231231005305/https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1520009408326976000 |url-status = live }}</ref>

It is also known that the policy of banning weapons (a 1613 notice to the Ryukyu royal government), which is said to have been implemented by the Satsuma Domain, only prohibited the carrying of swords and other weapons, but not their possession, and was a relatively lax regulation. This notice stated, "(1) The possession of guns is prohibited. (2) The possession of weapons owned privately by princes, three magistrates, and samurai is permitted. (3) Weapons must be repaired in Satsuma through the magistrate's office of Satsuma. (4) Swords must be reported to the magistrate's office of Satsuma for approval."<ref>{{Cite book |editor = Kagoshima Prefecture Restoration History Materials Compilation Office |title = 鹿児島県史料 旧記雑録 後編4 |trans-title = Kagoshima Prefecture Historical Records, Miscellaneous Old Records, Part 2, 4 |publisher = Kagoshima Prefecture |page = 414 |url = https://www.pref.kagoshima.jp/ab23/reimeikan/siroyu/documents/6756_20221202133338-1.pdf |date = 1984 |language = ja |access-date = 31 December 2023 |archive-date = 31 December 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231231015927/https://www.pref.kagoshima.jp/ab23/reimeikan/siroyu/documents/6756_20221202133338-1.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref> It did not prohibit the possession of weapons (except guns) or even their practice. In fact, even after subjugation to the Satsuma Domain, a number of Ryukyuan masters of swordsmanship, spearmanship, archery, and other arts are known. Therefore, some researchers criticize the theory that karate developed due to the policy of banning weapons as "a rumor on the street with no basis at all."<ref>{{Cite book |last1 = Gima |first1 = Shinkin |last2 = Fujiwara |first2 = Ryozo |title = 対談 近代空手道の歴史を語る |trans-title = Dialogue: The History of Modern Karate-do |publisher = Baseball Magazine Sha |date = 1 October 1986 |page = 42 |isbn = 9784583026060 |language = ja }}</ref>

Karate began as a common fighting system known as ''te'' (Okinawan: ''tī'') among the Ryukyuan samurai class. There were few formal styles of ''te,'' but rather many practitioners with their own methods. One surviving example is [[Motobu-ryū|Motobu Udundī]] ({{lit|Motobu Palace Hand|lk=yes}}), which has been handed down to this day in the Motobu family, one of the branches of the former Ryukyu royal family.<ref>{{cite book |last = Bishop |first = Mark |title = Okinawan Karate |year = 1989 |isbn =0-7136-5666-2 |page = 154 |publisher = A & C Black }}</ref> In the 16th century, the Ryukyuan history book "[[Kyūyō]]" ({{lang|ja|球陽}}, established around 1745) mentions that {{ill|lt=Kyō Ahagon Jikki|京阿波根実基|ja|vertical-align=sup}}, a favored retainer of King Shō Shin, used a martial art called "karate" ({{lang|ja|空手}}, {{lit|empty hand|lk=yes}}) to smash both legs of an assassin. This karate is thought to refer to ''te'', not today's karate, and Ankō Asato introduces Kyō Ahagon as a "prominent martial artist."<ref name = "Asato1914" />

==== 18th century ====
However, some believe that Kyō Ahagon's anecdote is a half-legend and that it is unclear whether he was actually a ''te'' master. In the 18th century, the names of Nishinda ''Uēkata'', Gushikawa ''Uēkata'', and Chōken Makabe are known as masters of ''te''.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Motobu |first=Choki |editor-last1=Quast |editor-first1=Andreas |translator-last1=Quast |translator-first1=Andreas |translator-last2=Motobu |translator-first2=Naoki |title=Watashi no Karatejutsu |trans-title=My Art and Skill of Karate|year=2020 |orig-year=1932 |publisher=Independently Published |isbn=9798601364751 |language=en |page=165}}</ref>

Nishinda ''Uēkata'' and Gushikawa ''Uēkata'' were martial artists active during the reign of King [[Shō Kei]] (reigned 1713–1751). Nishinda ''Uēkata'' was good at spear as well as ''te'', and Gushikawa ''Uēkata'' was also good at wooden sword (swordsmanship).<ref>{{Cite book|last=Motobu |first=Choki |editor-last1=Quast |editor-first1=Andreas |translator-last1=Quast |translator-first1=Andreas |translator-last2=Motobu |translator-first2=Naoki |title=Watashi no Karatejutsu |trans-title=My Art and Skill of Karate |year=2020 |orig-year=1932 |publisher=Independently Published |isbn=9798601364751 |language=en |page=153}}</ref>

Chōken Makabe was a man of the late 18th century. His light stature and jumping ability gave him the nickname "Makabe ''Chān-gwā''" ({{lit|little fighting cock|lk=yes}}), as he was like a ''chān'' (fighting cock). The ceiling of his house is said to have been marked by his kicking foot.<ref>{{Cite book |last = Motobu |first = Chōki |title = 私の唐手術 |trans-title = My karate Art |publisher = Tokyo Karate Promotion Association |date = 1932 |page = 83 |language = ja }}</ref>

It is known that in "Ōshima Writing" (1762), written by Yoshihiro Tobe, a Confucian scholar of the [[Tosa Domain]], who interviewed Ryukyuan samurai who had drifted to Tosa (present-day [[Kōchi Prefecture]]), there is a description of a martial art called ''kumiai-jutsu'' ({{lang|ja|組合術}}) performed by [[Kōshōkun]] (Okinawan:Kūsankū). It is believed that Kōshōkun may have been a military officer on a mission from Qing that visited Ryukyu in 1756, and some believe that karate originated with Kōshōkun.

In addition, the will (Part I: 1778, Part II: 1783) of Ryukyuan samurai Aka Pēchin Chokushki (1721–1784) mentions the name of a martial art called ''karamutō'' ({{lang|ja|からむとう}}), along with Japanese [[Jigen-ryū]] swordsmanship and [[jujutsu]], indicating that Ryukyuan samurai practiced these arts in the 18th century.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Higashionna |first = Kanjun |editor = Ryukyu Shimpo |title = 東恩納寛惇全集 |trans-title = The Complete Works of Kanjun Higashionna |volume = 5 |publisher = Daiichi Shobo |date = 1978 |page = 410 |language = ja}}</ref>

In 1609, the Japanese [[Satsuma Domain]] invaded Ryukyu and Ryukyu became its vassal state, but it continued to pay tribute to the Ming and Qing Dynasties in China. At the time, China had implemented a policy of [[sea ban]] and only traded with tributary countries, so the Satsuma Domain wanted Ryukyu to continue its tribute to benefit from it.

The envoys of the tribute mission were chosen from among the samurai class of Ryukyu, and they went to [[Fuzhou]] in Fujian and stayed there for six months to a year and a half. Government-funded and privately funded foreign students were also sent to study in Beijing or Fuzhou for several years. Some of these envoys and students studied Chinese martial arts in China. The styles of Chinese martial arts they studied are not known for certain, but it is assumed that they studied [[Fujian White Crane]] and other styles from Fujian Province.

Sōryo Tsūshin (monk Tsūshin), active during the reign of King Shō Kei, was a monk who went to the Qing Dynasty to study Chinese martial arts and was reportedly one of the best martial artists of his time in Ryukyu.<ref>{{Cite book |last = Motobu |first = Chōki |title = 私の唐手術 |trans-title = My karate Art |publisher = Tokyo Karate Promotion Association |date = 1932 |page = 82 |language = ja }}</ref>

==== 19th and early 20th century ====
It is not known when the name ''tōde'' ({{lang|ja|唐手}}, {{lit|Tang hand|lk=yes}}) first came into use in the Ryukyu Kingdom, but according to Ankō Asato, it was popularized from [[Kanga Sakugawa]] (1786–1867), who was nicknamed "Tōde Sakugawa."<ref name = "Asato1914" /> Sakugawa was a samurai from Shuri who traveled to Qing China to learn Chinese martial arts. The martial arts he mastered were new and different from te. As ''tōde'' was spread by Sakugawa, traditional ''te'' became distinguished as ''Okinawa-te'' ({{lang|ja|沖縄手}}, {{lit|Okinawa hand|lk=yes}}), and gradually faded away as it merged with ''tōde''.

It is generally believed that today's karate is a result of the synthesis of ''te'' (''Okinawa-te'') and ''tōde''. Funakoshi writes, "In the early modern era, when China was highly revered, many martial artists traveled to China to practice Chinese kenpo, and added it to the ancient kenpo, the so-called 'Okinawa-te'. After further study, they discarded the disadvantages of both, adopted their advantages, and added more subtlety, and karate was born."<ref name = "Funakoshi1935" />

Early styles of karate are often generalized as [[Shuri-te]], [[Naha-te]], and [[Tomari-te]], named after the three cities from which they emerged.<ref name="Higaonna 1985 19">{{cite book |last = Higaonna |first = Morio |title = Traditional Karatedo Vol. 1 Fundamental Techniques |year = 1985 |isbn =0-87040-595-0 |page = 19 }}</ref> Each area and its teachers had particular kata, techniques, and principles that distinguished their local version of ''te'' from the others.

[[File:Karate ShuriCastle.jpg|thumb|Karate training in front of [[Shuri Castle]] in [[Naha]] (1938)]]
Around the 1820s, [[Matsumura Sōkon]] (1809–1899) began teaching ''Okinawa-te''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last = Yoshimura |first = Jinsai |title = 自伝武道記 |trans-title = Biography of Martial Arts | magazine = Monthly Bunka Okinawa |volume =  2–8, September |publisher = Gekkan Bunka Okinawa-sha |date = 1941 |page = 22 }}</ref> Matsumura was, according to one theory, a student of Sakugawa. Matsumura's style later became the origin of many [[Shuri-te]] schools.

[[Itosu Ankō]] (1831–1915) studied under Matsumura and Bushi Nagahama of [[Naha-te]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Motobu |first=Choki |editor-last1=Quast |editor-first1=Andreas |translator-last1=Quast |translator-first1=Andreas |translator-last2=Motobu |translator-first2=Naoki |title=Watashi no Karatejutsu |trans-title=My Art and Skill of Karate|year=2020 |orig-year=1932 |publisher=Independently Published |isbn=9798601364751|language=en |page=36}}</ref> He created the ''[[Pinan|Pin'an]]'' forms ("''Heian''" in Japanese) which are simplified kata for beginning students. In 1905, Itosu helped to get karate introduced into Okinawa's public schools. These forms were taught to children at the elementary school level. Itosu's influence in karate is broad. The forms he created are common across nearly all styles of karate. His students became some of the most well-known karate masters, including [[Motobu Chōyū]], [[Motobu Chōki]], [[Yabu Kentsū]], [[Hanashiro Chomo|Hanashiro Chōmo]], [[Gichin Funakoshi]] and [[Kenwa Mabuni]]. Itosu is sometimes referred to as "the Grandfather of Modern Karate."<ref>{{cite web|author=International Ryukyu Karate-jutsu Research Society |url=http://www.koryu-uchinadi.com/index1.html |title=Patrick McCarthy, footnote #4 |date=15 October 2012 |access-date=23 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130023324/http://www.koryu-uchinadi.com/index1.html |archive-date=30 January 2014 }}</ref>

[[File:Karate in Naha before the war.jpg|thumb|Karate in [[Naha]] before the war; (before 1946)]]
In 1881, [[Higaonna Kanryō]] returned from China after years of instruction with [[Ryu Ryu Ko]] and founded what would become [[Naha-te]]. One of his students was the founder of [[Gojū-ryū]], [[Chōjun Miyagi]]. Chōjun Miyagi taught such well-known karateka as [[Seko Higa]] (who also trained with Higaonna), [[Meitoku Yagi]], [[Miyazato Ei'ichi]], and [[Seikichi Toguchi]], and for a very brief time near the end of his life, An'ichi Miyagi (a teacher claimed by [[Morio Higaonna]]).

In addition to the three early ''te'' styles of karate a fourth Okinawan influence is that of [[Kanbun Uechi|Uechi Kanbun]] (1877–1948). At the age of 20 he went to [[Fuzhou]] in Fujian Province, China, to escape Japanese military conscription. While there he studied under Shū Shiwa (Chinese: ''Zhou Zihe'' 周子和 1874–1926).<ref>Fujimoto, Keisuke (2017). ''The Untold Story of Kanbun Uechi''. pp. 19.</ref> He was a leading figure of Chinese [[Nam Pai Chuan|Nanpa Shorin-ken]] style at that time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/023/eng/009/001/index.html |title=Kanbun Uechi history |date=1 March 2009 |access-date=23 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301203243/http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/023/eng/009/001/index.html |archive-date=1 March 2009 }}</ref> He later developed his own style of [[Uechi-ryū]] karate based on the [[Sanchin]], [[Seisan]], and Sanseiryu kata that he had studied in China.<ref>{{cite book |last = Hokama |first = Tetsuhiro |title = 100 Masters of Okinawan Karate |year = 2005 | page = 28 | publisher=Ozata Print }}</ref>

=== Japan ===
{{Main|Karate in Japan}}
[[File:Funakoshi Gichin.jpg|thumb|upright|Gichin Funakoshi]]
When [[Shō Tai]], the last king of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, was ordered to move to Tokyo in 1879, he was accompanied by prominent karate masters such as [[Ankō Asato]] and Chōfu Kyan (father of [[Chōtoku Kyan]]). It is unknown if they taught karate to the Japanese in Tokyo, although there are records that Kyan taught his son karate.<ref>{{Cite book |last = Shō |first = Kyū |title = 廃藩当時の人物 |trans-title = Persons at the Time of the Abolition of the Domain |publisher = Shō Kyū |date = 1915 |page = 72 |language = ja |url = https://dl.ndl.go.jp/pid/933701 |doi = 10.11501/933701 |access-date = 19 December 2023 |archive-date = 18 December 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231218234727/https://dl.ndl.go.jp/pid/933701 |url-status = live }}</ref>

In 1908, students from the Okinawa Prefectural Middle School gave a karate demonstration at [[Dai Nippon Butoku Kai|Butokuden]] in Kyoto, which was also witnessed by [[Kanō Jigorō]] (founder of judo).

In May 1922, Gichin Funakoshi (founder of [[Shotokan]]) presented pictures of karate on two hanging scrolls at the first Physical Education Exhibition in Tokyo.<ref name = "Funakoshi1956">{{Cite book |last = Funakoshi |first = Gichin |title = 空手道一路 |trans-title = Karate-Do My Way |publisher = Sankei Shuppan |date = 1 October 1956 |page = 109 |language = ja}}</ref> The following June, Funakoshi was invited to the [[Kodokan Judo Institute|Kodokan]] to give a karate demonstration in front of Jigoro Kano and other judo experts. This was the beginning of the full-scale introduction of karate in Tokyo.

[[Image:Motobu king1925.jpg|340px|thumb|Illustration depicting a match between Motobu Chōki and a foreign boxer]]
In November 1922, [[Motobu Chōki]] (founder of [[Motobu-ryū]]) participated in a judo versus boxing match in Kyoto, defeating a foreign boxer. The match was featured in Japan's largest magazine "{{ill|lt=King|キング (雑誌)|ja|vertical-align=sup}}," which had a circulation of about one million at the time, and karate and Motobu's name became instantly known throughout Japan.<ref name = "King1925" />

In 1922, Funakoshi published the first book on karate,<ref>{{Cite book|last = Funakoshi |first = Gichin |title = 琉球拳法 唐手 |trans-title = Ryūkyū Kenpō Karate |publisher = Bukyōsha |date = 1922 |language = ja}}</ref> and in 1926 Motobu published the first technical book on kumite.<ref>{{Cite book |last = Motobu |first = Chōki |title = 沖縄拳法唐手術：組手編 |trans-title = Okinawa Kenpō Karate-jutsu: Kumite Edition |publisher = Karate-jutsu Promotion Association |date = 1926 |language = ja}}</ref> As karate's popularity grew, karate clubs were established one after another in Japanese universities with Funakoshi and Motobu as instructors.<ref name = "Nakasone1934">{{Cite book |editor = Karate Kenkyusha |title = 空手研究 |trans-title = Karate Studies |publisher = Kōbukan | date = 1934 |page = 75 |language = ja |doi = 10.11501/1027727 |author1 = 空手研究社 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |editor = Keio University Physical Education Association Karate Club |title = 空手道集成 |trans-title = Karate-do Shusei |volume = 1 |publisher = Keio University Physical Education Association Karate Club |date = 1936 |page = 25 |language = ja |doi = 10.11501/1144879 |author1 = 慶応義塾体育会空手部 }}</ref>

In the Showa era (1926–1989), other Okinawan karate masters also came to mainland Japan to teach karate. These included [[Kenwa Mabuni]], [[Chōjun Miyagi]], [[Kanken Tōyama]], and [[Kanbun Uechi]].

With the rise of [[militarism]] in Japan, some karate masters gradually came to consider the name karate ({{lang|ja|唐手}}, {{lit|[[Tang dynasty|Tang]] hand|lk=yes}}) undesirable. The name karate ({{lang|ja|空手}}, {{lit|empty hand|lk=yes}}) had already been used by [[Chōmo Hanashiro]] in Okinawa in 1905,<ref>{{Cite book |editor-last = Nakasone |editor-first = Genwa |title = 空手道大観 |trans-title = Karate-dō Taikan |publisher = Tokyo Tosho |date = 1938 |doi = 10.11501/1104139 |page = 64 |language = ja |author1 = 仲宗根, 源和, 1895-1978 }}</ref> and Funakoshi decided to use this name as well. In addition, the name ''karatedō'' ({{lang|ja|唐手道}}, {{lit|the way of the Tang hand|lk=yes}}), which was already used by the karate club of [[Tokyo Imperial University]] (now the University of Tokyo) in 1929 by adding the suffix ''dō'' ({{lang|ja|道}}, way) to karate,<ref>{{Cite book |last1 = Miki |first1 = Jisaburō |last2 = Takada |first2 = Mizuho |title = 拳法概説 |trans-title = Introduction to Kenpō |publisher = Karate Research Association of Tokyo Imperial University |date = 1930 |page = 221 |language = ja}}</ref> was also used by Funakoshi, who decided to use the name ''karatedō'' ({{lang|ja|空手道}}, {{lit|the way of the empty hand|lk=yes}}) in the same way.<ref name="Funakoshi1935"/>

The ''dō'' suffix implies that ''karatedō'' is a path to self-knowledge, not just a study of the technical aspects of fighting. Like most martial arts practised in Japan, karate made its transition from -''jutsu'' to -''dō'' around the beginning of the 20th century. The "''dō''" in "karate-dō" sets it apart from karate-''jutsu'', as [[aikido]] is distinguished from [[aikijutsu]], judo from [[jujutsu]], [[kendo]] from [[kenjutsu]] and [[iaido]] from [[iaijutsu]].

In 1933, karate was officially recognized as a Japanese martial art by the [[Dai Nippon Butoku Kai]], but initially belonged to the [[jujutsu]] division and title examinations were conducted by jujutsu masters.

In 1935, Funakoshi changed the names of many kata and karate itself. Funakoshi's motivation was that the names of many of the traditional kata were unintelligible, and that it would be inappropriate to use the Chinese style names to teach karate as a Japanese martial art.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Funakoshi |first = Gichin |title = 空手道教範 |trans-title =Karatedō Kyōhan |publisher = Tokyo Kōbundō |date = 25 May 1935 |page = 33 |language = ja}}</ref> He also said that the kata had to be simplified to spread karate as a form of physical education, so some of the kata were modified.<ref>{{Cite book |last = Funakoshi |first = Gichin |title = 空手道一路 |trans-title = Karate-Do My Way |publisher = Sankei Shuppan |date = 1 October 1956 |page = 57 |language = ja}}</ref> He always referred to what he taught as simply karate, but in 1936 he built a dōjō in Tokyo and the style he left behind is usually called [[Shotokan]] after this dōjō. ''Shoto'', meaning "pine wave", was Funakoshi's pen name and ''kan'' meaning "hall".

[[File:Masters of Karate.jpg|thumb|300px|Masters of karate in Tokyo ({{c.|1930s}}), from left to right, [[Kanken Toyama]], [[Hironori Otsuka]], Takeshi Shimoda, [[Gichin Funakoshi]], [[Motobu Chōki|Chōki Motobu]], [[Kenwa Mabuni]], Genwa Nakasone, and [[Shinken Taira]] ]]
On 25 October 1936, a roundtable meeting of karate masters was held in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, where it was officially decided to change the name of karate from karate (Tang hand) to karate (empty hand). In attendance were Chōmo Hanashiro, Chōki Motobu, Chōtoku Kyan, [[Juhatsu Kyoda|Jūhatsu Kyoda]], [[Chōjun Miyagi]], [[Shinpan Gusukuma]], and [[Chōshin Chibana]]. In 2005, the [[Okinawa Prefectural Assembly]] passed a resolution to commemorate this decision by designating 25 October as "Karate Day."<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://okic.okinawa/en/archives/newstopics/536 |title = The declaration of the "Karate Day" |publisher = Okinawa Karate Information Center |date = 8 September 2017 |accessdate = 19 December 2023 |archive-date = 19 December 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231219031004/https://okic.okinawa/en/archives/newstopics/536 |url-status = live }}</ref>

The modernization and systemization of karate in Japan also included the adoption of the white uniform that consisted of the ''[[dogi]]'' or ''[[keikogi]]''—mostly called just [[karategi]]—and coloured belt ranks. Both of these innovations were originated and popularized by [[Jigoro Kano]], the founder of judo and one of the men Funakoshi consulted in his efforts to modernize karate.

At that time, there was almost no kumite training in karate, and kata training was the main focus.<ref name = "Konishi1977">{{Cite magazine |title=対談・ゲスト小西康裕／聞き手池田奉秀・空手道を語る：過去と現在の武道的視点 |trans-title=Dialogue, Guest: Yasuhiro Konishi / Interviewer: Fusuhide Ikeda, Talking about Karate-do: Budo perspectives of the past and present |magazine=Dialogue Collection: Talking about Karate-do |publisher=Budo Publishing Research Institute |date=1977 |pages=5–7 |language=ja}}</ref>  There were also no matches. However, at that time, judo and [[kendo]] matches were already being held in mainland Japan, and {{Nihongo||乱取り|[[randori]]|{{lit|free-style practice|lk=yes}}}} practice was also being actively practiced, the young people in mainland Japan gradually became dissatisfied with kata-only practice.<ref name = "Konishi1977" />

In pre–World War II Okinawa, karateka practiced ''iri kumi'' ([[Okinawan language|Okinawan]] for kumite) allowing all kinds of techniques (strikes, choke holds, joint locks, etc.) but in a controlled manner to not injure the opponent when aiming to vital areas.<ref>{{cite book |last = Higaonna |first = Morio |title = Traditional Karatedo Vol. 4 Applications of the Kata |year = 1990 |isbn =9780870408489 |page = 135 |publisher = Minato Research }}</ref> Despite sparring was originally an unnoticed form of practice for senior students, there were no "contests" until Western-style competitions were introduced to Japan.<ref>{{cite book |last = Shigeru |first = Egami |title = The Heart of Karatedo |year = 1976 |isbn =0870118161 |page = 111 |publisher = Kodansha International }}</ref>

[[Gichin Funakoshi]] stated, "There are no contests in karate."<ref>{{cite book |last = Shigeru |first = Egami |title = The Heart of Karatedo |year = 1976 |isbn =0870118161 |page = 111|publisher = Kodansha International }}</ref> [[Shigeru Egami]] relates that, during his visit to Okinawa in 1940, he heard some karateka were ousted from their ''dōjō'' because they adopted sparring after having learned it in Tokyo. In the early 1930s, pre-arranged sparring was introduced and developed, and finally a few years later free sparring was permitted for Shotokan students.<ref>{{cite book |last = Shigeru |first = Egami |title = The Heart of Karatedo |year = 1976 |isbn =0870118161 |page = 113 |publisher = Kodansha International }}</ref>

According to [[Yasuhiro Konishi]], kata-only training was often criticized by the leading judo practitioners of the time, such as [[Shuichi Nagaoka]] and [[Hajime Isogai]], who said, "The karate you do cannot be understood from kata alone, so why don't you try a little more so that the general public can understand it?"<ref name = "Konishi1977" /> Against the backdrop of these complaints and criticisms, young people such as [[Hironori Ōtsuka]] and Konishi devised their own kumite and kumite matches, which are the prototypes of today's kumite.<ref name="Konishi1977" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |title=空手道を語る/大塚博紀（その1）|trans-title=Talking about Karate-do/Hironori Ōtsuka (Part 1) |magazine=Monthly Budo Shūdan |issue=1 |publisher=Budo Publishing Research Institute |date=1978 |volume=12 |page=13 |language=ja}}</ref> Motobu's emphasis on kumite attracted Ōtsuka and Konishi, who later studied Okinawan kumite under him.<ref name="Konishi1977" />

After World War II, karate activities were temporarily stalled due to the "Notice Banning Judo, Kendo, and Other Martial Arts" issued by the Ministry of Education under the directive of the [[Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers]]. However, because this notice did not include the word "karate," it was interpreted by the Ministry of Education that karate was not prohibited, and karate was able to resume its activities earlier than other martial arts.

A new form of karate called [[Kyokushin]] was formally founded in 1957 by [[Masutatsu Oyama]] (who was born a Korean, Choi Yeong-Eui 최영의). Kyokushin is largely a synthesis of Shotokan and Gōjū-ryū. It teaches a curriculum that emphasizes [[Aliveness (martial arts)|aliveness]], physical toughness, and [[Full-contact|full contact]] sparring. Because of its emphasis on physical, full-force [[sparring]], Kyokushin is now often called "[[full contact karate]]", or "[[Knockdown karate]]" (after the name for its competition rules). Many other karate organizations and styles are descended from the Kyokushin curriculum.