That Heraclius sent for him and said, “What did he...
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Narrated Abu Sufyan (R.A):
That Heraclius sent for him and said, “What did he, i.e. the Prophet (S.A.W) order you?” I replied, “He orders us to offer prayers, to give alms, to be chaste, and to keep good relations with our relatives.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 10
Karate originated as a form of self-defence in Okinawa after local rulers banned the use of weapons among the common people.
Karate is one of the world’s most recognised martial arts, known for its emphasis on discipline, precision and self-control. Its origins lie in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, particularly Okinawa, where it developed as a unique system of unarmed combat shaped by cultural exchange, political restrictions and the human need for self-defence.
The roots of karate can be traced back to indigenous Okinawan fighting methods. These techniques evolved over centuries and were influenced by Chinese martial arts introduced through trade and diplomatic relations between Okinawa and China from the 14th century onwards. A major turning point came when weapons were banned by Okinawan rulers and later by Japanese occupiers. As a result, local people refined unarmed combat techniques to protect themselves, leading to the structured development of karate.
Originally known as tode or ‘Chinese hand’, the art later became karate, derived from ‘kara’ meaning empty and ‘te’ meaning hand. Striking surfaces include the hands (particularly the knuckles and the outer edge), ball of the foot, heel, forearm, knee, and elbow. Pine boards up to several inches in thickness can be broken by the bare hand or foot of an expert. In the early 20th century, karate was systematised and introduced to mainland Japan, largely through the efforts of masters such as Gichin Funakoshi, who is considered the father of modern karate. He played a key role in promoting karate as a discipline that builds character as well as physical skill.
Over time, different styles of karate emerged, including Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu and Wado-ryu, each with its own techniques and training methods. Karate spread globally after World War II, gaining popularity as both a competitive sport and a means of personal development. Its inclusion in international competitions and, more recently, the Olympic Games, further elevated its status worldwide.
Karate has produced many legendary champions who helped popularise the art. Japan’s Mas Oyama, founder of Kyokushin karate, became famous for his strength and full-contact fighting style. Rafael Aghayev of Azerbaijan is widely regarded as one of the greatest sport karate athletes of all time, with multiple world and European titles. Italy’s Stefano Maniscalco and France’s Steven Da Costa have also made their mark in international competitions. In the kata category, Japanese karateka Ryo Kiyuna has earned global recognition for his technical excellence.
Karate training also follows a structured belt system that represents a practitioner’s level of skill. Beginners start with white, symbolising a blank slate. As students advance, they move through coloured belts such as yellow, orange, green, blue and brown, each denoting increasing technical ability, discipline and understanding. The black belt signifies proficiency and maturity in the art, though it is widely regarded not as an end point but as the beginning of deeper learning and mastery. The exact colours and order may vary slightly between styles and schools, but the underlying symbolism remains consistent across karate traditions.
