(Approx 3 minute read)

There are so many different opinions about what karate is, where it came from, and what it was actually used for. Who’s right?
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We have a few snippets from history – newspaper articles, a few books written at the time – but even these have their limitations. Everything written was done so for the time, and by then, karate had already started to change. It was written for the audience of the day.
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Many researchers have given us facts from their perspective, and some of the “oral legends” have been debunked.
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So where does this leave us today?
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After WWII, there weren’t many of the old masters left to tell us about early karate. Most of the practice – and what is widely known today – comes from post-WWII karate.
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Many experienced instructors have their own take on what karate is and how it should be used. And, like many of them, I do too.
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I get a lot of messages disagreeing with some of the content in my articles, and that’s fine. After all, these are just my opinions and my experiences. I base them on the writings of past masters, my understanding of history, learning from others over five decades, and my own common sense and logical reasoning. These are my thoughts, my opinions, and how I teach. And I’m okay with my conclusions – they work for me and my students. But for you? It might be different, and that’s okay too.
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Someone asked me the other day, “Which Okinawan teacher told you this?” It was about something I’d written in an article – something they believed Okinawan teachers didn’t use (or didn’t say).
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The truth is, I know many Okinawan teachers, and a lot of them study the post-WWII karate. I mean no disrespect when I say this, as many Okinawan teachers are immensely knowledgeable and skilled, with incredible lineages and history.
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Fighting isn’t overly complicated. Of course, I don’t have all the answers – very few do – but over time, learning from others far more experienced than me, the jigsaw starts to come together. Okay, it might go against some of the teachings of those masters.
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But for me – and for many pragmatic teachers – common sense, logic, and practical experience begin to define your training, especially if you have an enquiring mind.
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With that said, what should we focus on in our training?
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For me, it boils down to a few key questions: Does it work in the context I train for? Can it be applied under stress? Does it make sense given the context of karate’s origins and purpose? These are the guiding principles I emphasize in my dojo.
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While tradition is important, blindly following it? I’m not so sure. Which tradition is it? Whose tradition? Are they right about it?
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Without understanding its purpose, we’ll never truly understand karate. Instead, we should seek a balance – honoring the past while evolving to meet the demands of today.
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This doesn’t mean dismissing the old ways – far from it. Much of what’s been passed down holds great value, especially when you understand the context in which it was created. The problem is, that context is often lost.
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A principle that could save your life in a self-defense situation might be overlooked because it’s hidden beneath layers of tradition – or because your interpretation of something doesn’t match what someone else believes.
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Ultimately, karate is what you make of it. Your interpretations are yours. If it works for you, then great.
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And for me, this is the crux: ensuring karate works in the context you teach in. If you’re a teacher, it’s your responsibility to guide students toward a deeper understanding – not just of the techniques, but of the principles and mindset that underpin them. If you’re a student, the onus is on you to ask questions, seek clarity, and ensure that what you’re practicing aligns with your goals.
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Karate may have changed over time, but its essence remains. And whether you view it through the lens of history, tradition, or practicality, the important thing is to keep asking questions, keep learning, and keep moving forward.
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So, who’s right?
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Maybe no one. Or maybe everyone. Because karate isn’t static – it evolves with us. And in the end, its true purpose is what we make of it.
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Written by Adam Carter