“We avoid conflicts and prefer peace — that is the legacy of Miyagi Sensei, founder of Goju-ryu. Karate is not for attacking people, there is no way you will deal the first blow in a fight. The greatest secret is defense. One should think of karate as of a culture that encompasses self-defense methods.” – Masaaki Ikemiyagi 9th dan Goju-ryu (quote courtesy of Masaaki Ikemiyagi)
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Martial arts reflect the people, culture, weapons, and specific circumstances of their countries of origin. These differences are reflected in how they emphasize stances, kicks, punches, ‘blocks’, and body movements.
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I believe that becoming an accomplished martial artist requires more than simply learning the physical techniques. One must understand the history, culture, people, and even the language.
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Mastering a specific martial art necessitates practicing enough to incorporate techniques into muscle memory as well as a deeper understanding about proper body mechanics, kinesthesiolopgy, anatomy and physiology, situational awareness, conflict management, de-escalation techniques and possibly weaponry, including materials and manufacturing technology.
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Though often viewed as only a system of physical practices, for many practitioners karate is not only a physical practice. To many, the practice of karate is also a path to self-improvement and a cultural and symbolic practice.
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Okinawan Karate is the expression of cultural ideals that typify Okinawan culture. Karate is an amalgamation of practices that were combined together on the island of Okinawa. Originally referred to as ‘te’, karate combined indigenous fighting techniques with knowledge and practices from China, and possibly Thailand, the Philippines and other countries in the area. However, the major influence was Chinese.
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From its outset, karate was not merely the product of one nation or one culture, but rather the outcome of interactions in East Asia between groups sharing frequent and prolonged contact. That karate was drawn from many sources does not diminish its importance. Though karate did not spring wholly formed on the Ryukyu Islands, it is not necessary for it to have done so to be considered an Okinawan cultural practice.
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Karate became an Okinawan cultural practice when it was recognized by that culture as indicative of their identity. Karate, once known as ‘toudi’ (Tang or China hand), now is an important piece of Okinawa’s intangible cultural heritage.
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Do you see Karate as part of the culture of Okinawa, or simply sport or a self-defense method?
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 Photo Credit: TRAVEL 67 : Chris Willson Photography & James Pankiewicz, Asato Dojo, Okinawa.
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