by Sean Wong

Karate has come a long way since 1916 when it was first demonstrated publicly outside of its homeland of Okinawa, Japan in the famed Butoku-den of Kyoto. As we move closer to this centennial there is a possibility that Karate may one day be recognized as an Olympic sport making its debut in 2016. You might think that such an occasion might warrant a gleaming acceptance by the Karate world. Believe it or not however, there are those who are against this. Why?

It is unsure how Karate made its way to Okinawa but it is clear that Karate was borne out of necessity in a survival of the fittest environment. Its precursors known as “te” and “tode” were passed down secretly through the male samurai class. This was done anecdotally possibly because illiteracy was common in Okinawa during this time. By the time Karate made its public debut, there were many willing students but very few masters. The Okinawans made tremendous efforts towards developing standards in both Tokyo and Kyoto before Japan engaged in WWII. It wasn’t until the 1950′s before Karate began its revival. It was also during this time that, perhaps out of necessity, Karate in Tokyo and Kyoto would begin to turn in a different direction than Okinawa.

Okinawa had remained Kata centered but in the university cities of Kyoto and Tokyo the beginnings of Kumite centered training became new direction of Karate. This kumite centered training attracted pugilists from all walks of society. Some Karate clubs had become dangerous places for the underground pugilists. (I would guess that it was not much different than our modern day illegal fight clubs.) Deaths were not unheard of from the brutal training and the bravado hazing. Eventually, the masters of the time recognized the need to self-govern itself and thus the spiritual movement of Karate-Do was cultured and so began the death of the rough and tough environment that fostered the original Karate.

Those who are object to Karate in the Olympics say that it will dilute traditional Karate. But over the past century since Karate’s first Kyoto performance, research has uncovered new ways of teaching, coaching, and understanding the human potential. Karate has flourished outside of its mysterious and secretive society to become embraced by the entire world. It has had to change to get this far. Standards that we know today such as belts, uniforms, and shiai kumite were not a part of Okinawa’s original contribution. If we were to remain “traditional” which period should I chose and would the dojo down the street share my idea of where tradition starts. Would a traditional dojo be for men only? Where is the balance?

I suppose that one could challenge the sporting philosophy with the belief that a real soldier must be forged through hardship and thus this type of training is the reality of honing a warrior. At the end of the day, the soldier that is standing is the strongest and fittest. I would argue however that if this is training that you seek then feel free to join the military. We need strong soldiers with this type of spirit. In the same way however that a hunter wouldn’t hunt with a 50 caliber, I would think that children and others who seek to practice Karate to fulfill their lives, something less that rough and tough would be of help to them. Not all guns need to be machine guns and not all Karate needs to be purely militant. At least in my opinion. Regardless of my opinion though, Karate has always changed to meet the needs of society. Since most of us don’t live in a fist-o-cuffs environment, the need for Karate for self-defense is not longer a primary focus. Instead the need for youthful activity for sport and health for longevity is a far more valuable asset to society. Studies prove this time and time again.

One thing however that has remained somewhat the same is the Kata centered training in Okinawa, Japan. Okinawan Kata, like classical music, is timeless. If one learns to appreciate the classical, it remains an endearing passion. Even if you like hip-hop or rock and roll, there is always a time and place for Beethoven and Mozart in the world of music. In Okinawan Karate, you don’t need to be the strongest or fastest, you just have to appreciate it from the heart. Such is the Kata of Okinawan Karate. While Okinawan Karate many not be for the masses as its sporting cousin, the beauty and elegance of its tradition can outlive any Karate du Jour.

Thus the question; “Why are there people in the Karate world against Karate in the Olympics when there is room in the world to appreciate both?”