The Karate of today can be traced all the way back to Zen Buddhism & the life of Daruma, who some 1400 years ago left India for China to deliver lectures on Buddhism.
Over a several thousand mile journey and by crossing the Himalayas alone and on foot, due to his spiritual & personal strength, this man reached his destination.
In the many years that followed Daruma introduced a system of physical movements to his followers to aid them in their extremely arduous daily practices. It is this system, which formed the base of the World famous Shao-Lin Kung Fu.
The Monks of the Shao-Lin Temple traveled far and wide delivering their teachings and eventually reached the Okinawa Island, just off the coast of Japan. It was here that it merged with the existing Okinawan Martial Art, from which came Karate-Do.
The Father of modern day 'Shotokan' Karate is Gichin Funokoshi who was instrumental in developing the style throughout Japan, becoming the Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association in 1955. Many of Funokoshi's students went on to become Senior Instructors (Sensei).
Karate is a Budo (Japanese Martial Art), that can be practised by anyone, regardless of age or sex, and can be taken up at any time during a person's life. It is a myth that Karate is for the young only! With diligent training even the most senior in age of Adults can vastly improve their flexibility, stamina & energy levels and will develop an all round greater sense of well being.
In Karate all of our power comes from the HARA (Seika-Tanden or lower Abdomen). This ability to focus power and concentration leads to an increase in confidence & emotional stability. In addition it develops other characteristics such as a generous attitude & well rounded personality.
In Japan, such expressions as 'Hara ga dekite iru' (achieving a Hara) along with 'Hara ga suwatte iru' (having a well set Hara) are used to describe broad minded persons of character, individuals who remain calm and collected in the face of any situations, with a positive mental attitude, able to deal with all matters in a composed, level headed manner.
Today, Shotokan Karate is taught throughout the world as a system of Self Defence. It is known for its powerful punching and kicking and is a versatile, awesome fighting style.
Shantideva