A Synoptic History
of the Martial Arts
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Historical Overview
It is still a common misconception that martial arts originated in China at the Shaolin Temple. This is a result of unlearned individuals relating what they have seen in movies, as opposed to personal research.
To understand the history of Martial Arts, one must first define what the term Martial Art means. To do this we must look at the terms in context.
The term Martial refers to anything of direct hand-to-hand combat, enforcement, or military action. This involves both armed and unarmed combat.
In Western cultures, the term Art generally refers to crafted representations of beauty. These representations require cultivated skill, sensitivity of design, expressions of inner self. This is manifested through drama, pottery, sculpture, painting, and literature to name a few.
In Eastern cultures, the term Art is most often associated with the Chinese word Gong and the Japanese Jutsu, both of which refer to systemized and refined skill. This skill may or may not be “beautiful”, but it will be highly developed. Beauty is more often associated with Japanese Do, which is more aesthetic and pleasing to the eye.
Since the American understanding of Martial Arts is predominately derived from Eastern culture, we must review from their context of the terms.
Martial Arts is best translated into the Japanese terms of Bugei or Bujutsu, and the Chinese terms Quan Shu or Wushu. Both of which refer to martial, or military, discipline. These disciplines were practical and not given to the tournament oriented, gymnastic dances so often seen in today’s competition circuits. Nor did these concepts begin in Asia.
To find the beginnings of Martial Arts we must go back, way back in time.
Modern Archeologists seem to follow one of two patterns: to either prove or disprove the Bible and it’s timeline. Dating methods are inconsistent (carbon dating has recorded “Laboratory Rats” as being centuries old), and experts argue over everything.
Regardless of one’s spiritual beliefs, or lack of them, our recorded history goes back to approximately 3500 – 2500 BC. It is during this time period that the civilizations of Egypt and Sumeria arose.
*** Interesting note: If the historical dating for the age of Solomon is accurate, one of the few things many scholars agree upon, and if the biblical numerology is accurate (often accused of mistranslation from Aramaic & Hebrew to Greek by Roman Catholic scribes), then the most recent dating for the Flood is 2527 BC. While this is often debated … what is often ignored is the fact that the Biblical account of dispersion of peoples throughout the world is identical to such studies in secular academia.
Even the most ancient research of Egypt shows a highly sophisticated development of systemized military training.
Abraham (circa 2165 – 1990 BC), an historical figure recorded not only in the Bible, was recorded as having raised an elite force of 318 warriors from infancy. This is not unlike the Samurai and Shinobi of feudal era Japan, and speaks of systemized Martial Skill.
Ishmael, first son of Abraham, and father of the 12 Dukes (founders of the Arab Nations), was very clearly depicted as an Archer. Archery is, and always has been, recognized as one of the highest forms of Martial Art and is revered in Japan under study of Kyu – Jutsu and Kyu – Do.
Moses, who lived approximately 15th – 13th Century BC, was raised n the Egyptian court as a prince. He is described in the Biblical reference Acts 7:22 “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.” This describes not only high academic education, but physical prowess as well. Most likely he was trained as an officer of the military. When he escaped into Midian, after killing the Egyptian official, he drove off several shepherds single handed. This might sound simple, but in that day shepherds were often a fearsome folk … capable by necessity of fighting beasts, brigands, etc. Consider one man alone, without a firearm, against several modern rednecks or street thugs with sticks, knives and machetes who are angry. Moses could well be described as a "Martial Artist" in by today's standards.
Peoples migrated from Sumeria in three directions: South toward Egypt and Africa, North and West into what is now Europe, and East into what is now Saudi Arabia and India. Eventually peoples moved from India into China, then dispersed to the various Far Eastern regions.
The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine (Neijing Suwen), attributed to the fabled Yellow Emperor, Huang – ti (circa 2697 – 2598 BC), makes reference to martial applications. And references are made to three warriors (Shang Lao-ch’un, Ta-yi Chen-jen, and Yuan Shih-t’ien) who founded respective martial schools.
Indications have also been made toward the practice of an art, known as Vajramushti, by the Kshatrya Sect of India as far back as 1000 BC. The practice having been referenced in the Buddhist scripture, Lotus Sutra.
Socrates (469 – 399 BC), the famous Greek philosopher from Athens and instructor to Plato, was a highly skilled soldier and wrestler. He is recorded as having thrown Alcibiades, who was noted for exceptional strength, for interrupting his discourse.
Pan Kuo wrote six chapters of hand fighting in the Han Book of Arms around 39 – 92 A.D.
All of this long before Bodhidharma made his famous trek to the Shaolin Temple in the 6th Century AD .
In short, one cannot say “This is where martial arts originated”. Rather, a martial art is any organized structure of philosophy, principles, stratagems, and techniques which make up a cannon of systemized combat that can be taught in a consistent manner. This “art” may or may not be pretty. It may not even be highly effective. Only time will tell.
The Shaolin Truth
Many acclaim that martial arts originated at the Shaolin Temple. Most aren’t aware of the temple’s beginning, or that there were more than one. Ultimately, however, the Shaolin’s purpose was Buddhism … not Martial Arts.
According to historical references, Buddhism was introduced into China around 25 – 317 AD. Emperor Yuan Hong (Xiao Wen) built the Shaolin Monastery in 495 AD for an Indian Buddhist monk called Brahdra. There are also historical references to such a temple from 479 – 495 AD. It was located on the northern foothills of the Wuru summit, of Shao shi mountain, northwest of Deng Feng city, at Henan Province.
Brahdra preached Theravada Buddhism, which taught liberation by purifying self of all defilements and desires. By 527 AD the monastery’s followers had so purified themselves of desires that they were in a seriously depleted state of health. It was during this time that Bodhidharma came to teach Mahayana Buddhism, a form of teaching that includes deep meditations and search for insight.
Finding the monastery’s inhabitants to all be of ill health, Bodhidharma (also Damo, or Tamo) developed several forms of exercise to strengthen both mind and body. 18 Patterns were developed from animal movements and fused controlled breath with exact motions. Another series of seated exercises were based on yoga to help teach focus and training of the mind.
The inhabitants thrived and the beginning of a new form of Buddhism was born … ultimately to become Chan, or Zen, Buddhism. It was this, not what we call Kung Fu, that Bodhidharma was technically the father of.
Over time, many persons would come to the Shaolin Temple to study this religion. Many were warriors and they brought with them their combat skills. Because Self Preservation is considered a form of Self Health, the sharing of defensive skills was promoted. Monks needed to know how to defend themselves as they traveled to teach their religion, so the most efficient and practical of skills were refined into teachable units.
Because of the nature of the 18 Patterns, these were utilized as formats for the development of practice combat exercises. These Forms became the prototypes by which Chinese combat exercises would follow for centuries to come.
Due to the growth and popularity of the Shaolin Buddhist teaching other temples were built. Among the most notable was the Fukien Temple to the South. In time these two temples would come to characterize the concepts of Northern Fist and Southern Foot fighting. It is important to remember, however, that while these were focal points they were hardly the only sources of Martial Practice.
Over the centuries the martial and religious influences of Shaolin would be felt all through the Far East. Zen had been transmitted to Japan by the 13th Century AD, and martial influences were imparted into such arts as Sumo, Aiki – Jutsu, Kali, Pentjak Silat, Muay Thai, and more.
During the 14th Century AD a Shaolin monk named Chang San-Feng would reportedly leave, disappointed in how the temple had left the internal aspect of the arts behind. According to tradition, he would travel to the Taoist Temple in Wudang and found what would become Taiji Quan (T’ai Chi Ch’uan).
The famed Five Formed Fist, or Ch’uan Fa, would be developed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 AD) and follow the patterns of the Tiger, Crane, Snake, Dragon, and Leopard. After the destruction of the Northern Temple, around 1647 AD, the prominent surviving leaders escaped to the Southern, Fukien Temple.
During the Ch’ing Dynasty (1644 – 1911 AD), a group who became known as the Five Elders refined the Ch’uan Fa system from which Hung Gar Ch’uan, Choy Lay Fut, and Wing Chun derived.
Traditional Shaolin History came to an end with the ill-fated Boxer Rebellion of 1900 AD.
According to records, thousands of martial practitioners (known as the Fists of Righteous Harmony) rallied together to overthrow the Ching Government and expel the Foreign Devils (Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Russia, and United States) from China. These Boxers, as they came to be called, came to believe that they could not be harmed by their enemies bullets … a belief interwoven with the Buddhist teaching that “… nothing truly exits … all things we see are but manifestations of our own mind”.
Tsu His, empress dowager of the Ch’ing Dynasty, harnessed the Boxers into her own purpose and directed them to a new slogan “Support the Ch’ing; destroy the foreigner!”. The Boxers roamed the land wrecking destruction, including Catholic Missions and Chinese Converts, until the final conflict at Beijing. There the Forbidden City was ransacked, the Boxers crushed, and the power of the Ch’ing Dynasty destroyed.
The Great Shaolin Temple was burned, for the 3rd time in history, in 1927 during the reign of Chiang Kai Check (1911 – 1947 AD). The practice of Martial Arts was outlawed and Shaolin people dispersed around the world.
The modern Shaolin Temple is controlled by the Chinese Communist Government. Seeing the popularity of Kung Fu, the government orchestrated a redefinement of these arts into what is now known as Modern Wushu.
The Course of Karate
In the 14th Century AD, a group of 36 Chinese families would emigrate to the Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa), just off the coast of Fukien Province. Shaolin Defensive Arts would be shared with locals, and then mingled with indigenous techniques which would become the foundation for what is now known as Karate (in it’s original translation of China Hand). At the time a great weapons ban was over the Ryukyu Islands (Unified Three Kingdoms period), and so unarmed defense was very important.
As these islands were an important part of trade for China, much interchange was accomplished over the decades. During this time various other individuals would come to the Ryukyu’s and share martial knowledge. The name of the developing Martial Art was known as Te, the word for Hand. This development centered in the cities of Naha, Shuri, and Tomari. The relevant “Styles” are respectively identified as Naha – Te, Shuri – Te, and Tomari – Te.
Around 1609 Okinawa was conquered by Japan and the setting for the development of modern Karate was established.
“Tode” Sakugawa (1733 – 1815) was born in Shuri and became one of the most influential Martial Artists in history. He began training in Te with Peichin Takahara (1683-1760) and continued with the Chinese Master Kusanku (also Kushanku, Ko Sokun, and Kung Shang K’ung). Sakugawa would blend his teachings and formulate Tode. Translated China Hand, Tode would later gain the pronunciation Karate.
Sakugawa is also credited to formulating the Kata, Kusanku, which over time has been interpreted into other versions including Ko Sokun Dai and Shiho Kosokun. He has also been credited with creating the principles of the Dojo Kun (see Dojo Kun under Tao of Kuhasu Jutsu in the Main Menu), as well as laying the foundation of Shorin – Ryu.
Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura (1797-1889) is recognized as one of the dominant Ryukyu Instructors of the 19th Century. If Sakugawa laid the foundation of Shorin – Ryu, then Matsumura built the walls. Many styles have arisen from the Shuri style of Martial Arts taught by Matsumura.
One account attributed to Matsumura involves a confrontation with a Chinese sailor known as Chinto. The two had entered into hand – to – hand combat, but in the ensuing fight they realized they were evenly matched. The two became friends and training partners. To preserve and pass down Chinto’s combat patterns, based on Centerline and Balancing techniques of the White Crane, Matsumura developed a Kata and named it in his honor.
When practiced correctly, the Chinto Kata is full of intricate movements and employs much Chi Gong breathing principle. Unfortunately, most karate practitioners do not take the time to develop this and simply use the superficial external movements. As a result the form is most often performed with snapping, choppy motions as a Hard Style Kata, which it is not intended to be. Correctly taught, Chinto is a high level Kata which takes years to truly learn.
Matsumura is also credited with the development of Seisan, Passai, and Gojushiho Kata.
Of all of Matsumura’s students, the most prominent was Yasutsune “Anko” Itosu (1831 – 1915). Born to a family of stature, this citizen of Shuri was small and quiet as a child. Although he never grew to be tall, Itosu became known for his immense power.
Educated in Calligraphy and the Chinese Classics, Itosu elevated to a high position of responsibility within the Ryukyu Kingdom. Although he had trained with others, Soken Matsumura was his principle Instructor.
Recognizing the need for more fundamental levels of Kata, Itosu developed the Pinan Kata from the foundation of Kusanku. The Pinan Kata, also called Heian, are still the Foundation Kata for most styles derived from the Shuri / Shorin – Ryu arts. Around 1905 he became involved in a local school system in Okinawa and developed the methodology for teaching Martial Arts which is still practiced today. For many Traditionalists, Yasutsune “Anko” Itosu is regarded as the Father of Modern Karate.
Gichin Funakoshi (1868 – 1957) was born on Shuri and became a writer, his pen – name was Shoto. He began martial study under Azato Anko (1827 – 1906), a Martial Master, philosopher, and scholar in Okinawa. Azato was not a fulltime Instructor, however, and is said to have only had two students. Funakoshi would also study under Aragaki Seisho, a Chinese / Okinawan translator, and Yasutsune “Anko” Itosu.
More a philosopher than Kata creator, Funakoshi was of the belief that a few Kata in one’s repertoire was more than enough. His greatest contributions to Martial Arts were his books and his introduction of Okinawan Karate to Japan. He performed the public demonstration of karate in Kyoto, Japan in 1917. The Crown – Prince and many other Japanese were much impressed by this and following demonstrations. He was invited to teach at the Kodokan Dojo in 1922 by Prof. Jano Kano, the Founder of Judo. Funakoshi would stay as a front – runner of Okinawan Martial Arts Instruction.
Sometimes referred to by Karate – Do exponents as the Father of Modern Karate, he is more accurately described as one of the first pioneers of Okinawan Karate to Japan. He tried to Japan – ize many Karate principles, including the changing of many Kata names. But only a couple of these names caught on. Many of his students rebelled from many of his principles, and several of the Kata which are definitive of Shotokan (the name attributed to the style by his students) were included and/or organized by his successors. Ultimately, Modern Shotokan is not the art taught by Funakoshi.
Although it would be Funakoshi to first incorporate Prof. Kano’s Dan/Kyu system to Karate, the ranks he originally issued were not considered significant. It would be Chojun Miyagi, Founder of Goju – Ryu, who would be the first Karate Instructor to be recognized as Kyoshi (Expert Instructor, the 2nd of three Licenses, the 1st being Renshi – Expert and the 3rd being Hanshi – Master Instructor). Funakoshi is recorded as having received the Title of Renshi. This is not to diminish his importance in Karate’s history, however.
Funakoshi has been credited to having been responsible for altering the meaning of the term Karate. Originally translated to mean China Hand, he began using different characters in 1933 which translated the same pronunciation to mean Empty Hand. Although he insisted this was to imply a more spiritual meaning, in that an individual must empty their mind and become one with their inner self, it has been suggested that he was acting on behalf of Japanese influences (and their distaste of the Chinese reference in the original reference). In 1935 he changed the usage of Jutsu, which reflected the Martial Discipline aspect of Karate, to Do, which reflected his view that it should be more aesthetic and spiritual.
Funakoshi is also credited to having developed the modern Karate Gi. With so many from the different social classes studying Karate, there was some alleged distaste to mingled training. Funakoshi then blended different styles of martial clothing and came up with a standardized uniform (Gi). In this way, all would be on equal ground.
Some of Funakoshi’s students would found their own styles of Japanese Karate including: Hironori Ohtsuka (Wado – Ryu), Masutatsu Oyama (Kyokushinkai), and Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose (Chito – Ryu).
With Gichin Funakoshi’s migration to Japan as an Instructor, several other Okinawan Instructors would follow. Among these were Chojun Miyagi (Founder Goju – Ryu) and Kenwa Mabuni (Founder of Shito – Ryu).
Through the course of a few years other styles of Japanese Karate were developed such as Gosoku – Ryu (Tak Kubota), Shorinji Kempo (Doshin So), Shukokai (Chojiro Tani), Kyokushinkai (Masutatsu Oyama), and Chito – Ryu (Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose). From these styles grew the so – called Korean Karate styles, a plethora of Post WW II American Martial Artists, and even others who claimed to be students of Shaolin Arts teaching under the banner of Chinese Karate.
Today the common view of Karate is that which is represented from the Sport oriented Japanese styles. There are those, however, who are hailing back to the Karate – Jutsu (China Hand Discipline) format of the Ryukyu Arts. A format much less pretty, but oriented toward Defensive Techniques.
Birth of the “Black Belt”
A favored myth passed around by the uneducated goes like this: Ancient masters would give a new student a cotton belt … the student would wear this belt endlessly in all training … the student would wipe their blood and sweat on this belt … the grass and dirt stains of the student’s falls would ingrain in this belt … with dirt the belt would eventually turn a dingy, yellow … then orange would appear … stains from the grass would turn it green … mingling of blood would turn it blue & purple … eventually brown … by the time three or four years of filth accumulated the belt would turn black, around the time the student became an expert. All a poorly researched piece of fiction.
The Japanese word for this belt is Obi, and it’s place in history goes back centuries … but in fashion, not Martial Arts.
Prof. Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo, is historically credited with the development of the Dan/Kyu system and use of belts. This was to distinguish between beginners and experts in Judo competition. White for beginners, black for experts. Later brown was implemented to recognize advanced, but not yet expert, players.
It wasn’t until after Gichin Funakoshi joined Prof. Kano, in the 1920’s, that the use of belts were used with what would become known as Karate – Do. According to documents, Funakoshi awarded the first Karate - Do Black Belt ranks in history to seven men on 12 April 1924, including Hironori Ohtsuka (founder of Wado – ryu). Yet no documentation exists verifying that he, Funakoshi, was ever recognized as a Black Belt during his lifetime. In fact, Goju – ryu’s founder, Chojun Miyagi, would be the first Karate expert to gain the title of Kyoshi (Master) from Japan’s Martial Art governing body (Dai Nippon Butoku – Kai) in 1937.
The Dan/Kyu system began to be utilized by many Martial Systems of Japan, and in 1938 the Dai Nippon Butoku – Kai’s Karate – Do leaders met to standardize a ranking structure.
The Dai Nippon Butoku – Kai would shut down for years, and in 1952 the International Martial Arts Federation would be formed by leading martial artists from many styles and systems. A Dan/Kyu structure recognizing 1st – 10th Dan Black Belt was adopted, but it would be 1956 before it would take hold in Okinawa.
In 1964, however, the F.A.J.K.O. (Federation of All Japanese Karate – do Organizations) would be formed, bringing together all major groups, schools, styles and factions of Karate – Do. By 1971 a standardized Dan/Kyu structure was adopted and is still the basis for ranking today.
The Korean students of Karate took the Dan/Kyu grading system back to Korea with them after WWII, while most Chinese exponents have yet to adopt a unified ranking structure.
As to the Black Belt being an ancient tradition of Karate … as of this publishing (2005 AD) it’s barely 75 years old. Colored belts for the intermediate student originated in Europe and made their way to the U.S. in the 1950’s.
Martial Arts in Modern America
There used to be an ongoing joke about American Karate Students getting on planes (from Korea, Okinawa, and Japan) as 1st Dan Black Belts and getting off (in the U.S.) as Grand Masters. This was in reference to the huge amount of military personnel in the 1960’s – 70’s who trained a year or two in the orient and returned to open schools. Martial moves had become a fad, due to inclusions in movies, and the term Black Belt was uttered with near reverence. Tales of Death by One Strike abounded and military personnel professed to have learned the Most Deadly combat arts ever.
After the Korean War, the big word was Korean Karate (a term used before Tae Kwon Do was officially adopted). Anyone who could perform those amazing kicks was looked at in awe. And of course the was the advent of the tournament. In the sport ruled culture of the United States the Karate Tournament became the means for a common individual to prove their combat worthiness … sort of.
Although there are those who do not support, endorse, or frequent Karate Tournaments, a huge percentage of the techniques taught are based on Tournament concepts. A scary percentage of modern Instructors have never been even close to a real life altercation, much less enough to know which techniques they teach will actually work in real life. It is Shihan Nelson’s educated opinion that more than 95% of all so – called Self Defense techniques taught in schools today will not work in the real world. Often, Instructors encourage techniques which are absolutely illegal. Indeed, many competitors utilize kill techniques … which generally receive high scores … which would land the practitioner in jail for using unnecessary force with charges of varying degrees of Manslaughter, even Murder.
Unfortunately many believe that this is what Martial Arts is all about.
Competitors often believe their Point Fighting skills will actually help them in reality. Yet street fighters of today laugh at the concept of Black Belts in general. Stories abound of Lady Point Fighters getting raped and/or killed by lone adversaries, or Teenage World Champions getting their clocks cleaned by a high school brawler.
How many schools exist with high level Instructors, but no real curriculum beyond 1st or 2nd Dan Black Belt? How many with less than 20 years of total experience claim or accept titles of Master, or 10th Dan this, or Grand master that? How many so – called Traditional Instructors are there who yell and scream at students, or who spend half of the class doing mundane exercises? The classic Instructors were known as humble, polite, courteous, and kind.
This is not to say that all Martial Art schools are bad. Nor are all those who compete worthless on the street. There are several truly outstanding Instructors. But they don’t address themselves as Master So – and – So. They don’t sell out to commercialism or gimmicks. They don’t focus on how many trophies they or their school has won. They take a personal interest in their students and insure that those who compete know the difference between Tournament and Real World Atmospheres. A good Instructor is more interested in character, integrity, and teaching their students solid values and skills which are effective on the street. Students who compete are taught proper Sportsmanship and Tournament Etiquette.
The schools and styles which will last through the 21st Century will be the ones which hold to solid teachings. Trophies will tarnish and break. Flashy tournament kata will be enjoyed and forgotten. Instructors who teach quality will be remembered. Techniques which consistently work in the real world will survive.
The great names of the 20th Century are Instructors. Names such as Chojun Miyagi, Prof. Jigoro Kano, Chuck Norris, Tadashi Yamashita, Prof. Wally Jay, Jhoon Rhee, Dan Inosanto, Cheng Man – Ch’ing, Bong Soo Han, Ed Parker, Yip Man, Arsenio Advincula, Fumio Demura, and Dr. Yang Jwing – Ming, to highlight a few.
And of course there will always be the famous actors who are promoted as great Martial Arts Experts including frauds such as Jean Claude Van Dame (who had to be instructed in all of his moves in his movies by actual experts). Even the famous actor Bruce Lee was never certified in any form of Martial Art as an Expert, let alone as an Instructor. The book "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" was complied after his death (from an assorted scattering of his notes) by his estranged wife as a marketing tool. It was not compiled by Bruce, as is insinuated. Although he was a legitimate Martial Artist, he was an actor first and had been since childhood.The great names and Instructors of the 21st Century have yet to be determined. Will one of them be yours?
Disclaimer
The above material is compiled from years of Shihan Nelson’s personal research. Any individual(s) who bear a significant difference of opinion to this material may contact Shihan Nelson via Email and express their view. However, ensure that you are courteous and are able to present verifiable evidence to support your claims. This evidence must be substantiated by documentation beyond what one or two modern writers may have produced. Nor will “My Instructor said this or that …” be sufficient. With such evidence, Shihan Nelson will be glad to rectify any inaccuracy with enthusiasm.
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