INFORMATION

The evolution of Karate began over a thousand years ago, as early as the 5th century B.C. when Bodhidharma, a Buddhist Monk arrived in Shaolin-si, China from India and taught Zen Buddhism. He also introduced exercises designed to strengthen the mind and body.

Bodhidharma's teachings later became the basis for most of Chinese martial arts. The origins of Karate appear to be vague and little is known about the early development of Karate until it appeared in Okinawa. Between the years 1784 and 1903, the term karate replaced that of Te. This new name reflected the mix of native Okinawan martial arts of Te with Chinese Martial Arts the Okinawans had been exposed to. Karate simply means, empty hand.