THE ORIGINS OF KARATE AND WHAT IT HAS EVOLVED TO IN MODERN TIMES:

When most people think of the Martial arts, they think of mystical activities. Unbelievable feats that border on the metaphysical, like magic. So when one would begin training in one of these arts and after years and years of hard and diligent training, they would put these myths to rest since they were not taught them or did not discover them along the way. What they did not (and to this day) understand is, "Concealment of information has always been at the root of Martial Arts." Even the word Karate did not exist until around 1930. It was modified from "Kara-Jitsu-te" to be more politically correct and encompass many different names and styles of existing Martial Arts.

In Asia most styles started out as family systems, taught only to family members to save their lives or the lives of their family or protect their honor. As family members married, the family system would be taught to new, non blood family members and so on. Unfortunately, not all of the system was taught to the new members. It was purposely held back. So the new members (non blood) would also hold back vital teachings as they passed it down to their generations. As this cycled on through out the country side, these arts became "watered down".

When Americans came along in the mid 1940's, the Asians (especially Japanese and Okinawin) only new the Americans from them dropping bombs on them. This being the case, how much of these ancient secrets do you think were taught to them? As an occupying force Americans witnessed Japanese martial artists flying through the air breaking boards and performing what they called "The dance of Death (forms)". The Americans soaked it up like a sponge. However, they were taught the most watered down versions of Karate. The same versions that were being taught to school children at that time.

As all this was happening, these watered down versions of Karate or Kara Jitsu-te started to change their themes. They started changing their purpose. That is, the theme begin to change from combat art to "self improvement over practical application". There is nothing wrong with that. The discipline of staying with Martial arts and practicing to your best ability does build character, self esteem and recognizes your as being a better person. That is why many parents send their children.

The word "do" used in many Karate styles means, "way or path". So for example, the hand to hand combat style of the Samurai was JuJitsu, had been watered down by eliminating devastating death strikes and dangerous throws to... Judo. Then Judo was diluted again to become a popular wrestling sport that now competes in the Olympics. The other Martial arts followed suit. Kenjitsu (sword style of the Samurai) to Kendo, Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, Aikdo and yes, Kara-Jitsu-Te to Karate Do.

Modern day practitioners of any style of Karate practice katas or forms. They might think they have some idea of their purpose or content. For the most part, they concentrate on body control, focus, discipline and exercise for their justification in practicing these forms or katas. In ancient times when these katas were created, there were no fist attacks (as we know it). It was dishonorable to raise your fist, even to your enemy. Hence, you had all the chops, grabs and throws. This is the true application of these katas. So to the modern day karate practitioner, here's the surprise... the truth. Inside these forms or katas lie hidden techniques. Secret techniques of self defense from ancient times. These techniques are based on body meridians, acupuncture and pressure points. This is the real heart of Martial arts. Inside these body meridians and acupuncture points lie the power to heal... and the power to destroy.

This is the science of Martial Arts.

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