The history of karate is a fascinating journey that spans thousands of years and crosses many countries and cultures. More than simply a method of self-defence, karate developed as a way of building discipline, respect, character, and inner strength.

Many historians trace the origins of karate back to India. Around 520 AD, a Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma travelled from India to the Shaolin Temple in northern China. Bodhidharma, also known as Daruma in Japan, was the 28th patriarch of Buddhism and taught a form of Zen philosophy focused on self-discipline and mental clarity.

Legend states that Bodhidharma found the monks physically weak from long hours of meditation, so he created a series of exercises known as the “18 Hands of Lo-Han” to strengthen both body and mind. Over time, these exercises evolved into Shaolin Temple boxing, which became one of the earliest foundations of martial arts and influenced the development of karate.

As Chinese martial arts spread throughout China, trade routes carried these fighting systems across Asia. The island of Okinawa, situated between China and Japan, became an important meeting point for cultures and martial traditions. Okinawan fighters blended Chinese martial arts with their own local fighting methods known as “Te,” meaning “hand.” This combination gradually evolved into what became known as Okinawan karate.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, karate was introduced from Okinawa into mainland Japan. Masters such as Gichin Funakoshi helped promote karate as both a martial art and a way of life. Karate quickly gained popularity in schools, universities, and martial arts organisations across Japan. Its focus on discipline, respect, humility, and perseverance made it much more than simply a fighting system.

Following the Second World War, karate spread rapidly around the world as Japanese instructors travelled internationally and foreign students returned home after training in Japan and Okinawa. Karate became especially popular in Europe and the United Kingdom during the 1960s and 1970s.

Today, karate is practised by millions of people worldwide. In the United Kingdom alone, hundreds of thousands of people participate in karate through clubs and associations. While styles and organisations may differ, the core values remain the same: strong body, strong mind, and strong character.