Karate (ka-ra'tay) empty or China hand either of the two ideograms, which, when formed with another, to form Karate (empty hand or China Hand). The original character was t'ang, or China pronounced "kara". Because of the nationalist movement in Japan in the early part of the twentieth century Gichin Funakoshi changed the character to another which was also pronounced "kara". The last part of the word "te" simply means hand, most of the older forms end in this title.

Karate, as described in The Encyclopedia of The Martial Arts is an art of self defense and a sport that has undergone worldwide proliferation. Modern Karate originated in Okinawa more specifically in the Ryu Kyu islands in Okinawa. Modern Karate introduced to Japan in 1922 by Gichin Funakoshi, who is considered the father of modern day Karate. From this modern beginning Karate spread worldwide.

NOTE: Karate has two major categories, Okinawan and Japanese. Karate has many styles, which are considered either Okinawan or Japanese. It is the Japanese styles that we are most interested in. The four major styles are as follows:

Goju-Ryu

Shito-Ryu

Shoto-kan

Wado-Ryu

Even among these individual styles there are rivalries. Most styles separate themselves by applying the name of the Soke (founder) followed by the "Ha"  (easiest translation is way) then followed by the style: For Example, "Kotaka Ha Shito-Ryu."

Shito-Ryu received its start from its Soke Kenwa Mabuni. Mabuni Sensei studied Shuri-Te with Anko Itosu, Naha-Te with Kanyro Higashionna and Goju-Ryu with Chojun Miyagi. Mabuni Sensei combined all of his teaching to develop the system called Shito-Ryu.