Shotokan Karate Origin

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There are several theories and myths surrounding the origins of the martial arts, karate included. Some believe that the tradition of the martial arts originates from the founder of Zen Buddhism, the Bodhidharma (Bandfield, Robins). Others believe that the origin could have started as far back as the Greek and Roman Empires, or even have originated in India. The one portion of the history of martial arts that is agreed upon by most sources is the fact that it was transferred through China and into Japan. The subject of where the martial arts originated from is widely debated, however there are certain styles that have a proven history. One of these styles is the form of karate known as Shotokan. Founded by Gichin Funakoshi, Shotokan combines two different Okinawan martial arts, Shuri-te and Naha-te. Funakoshi formed the Shotokan style of karate in 1936, which he utilized to not only teach his students a form of martial art, but a way of life. Funakoshi opened the first karate …show more content…

Initially, I had started to take the class because it would help me get my degree, but as soon as I started, I started to feel better health wise. The health benefits of karate have had an impact on me, but the mental impact karate has had on me has given me the most growth. When I started karate, I had next to no confidence in myself as an individual due to the circumstances I grew up in. I was raised in an environment where I had to be perfect and if I was not, then I was belittled and treated like I was unable to do anything. Not only that, I was exposed to domestic violence between my mother and her husband for two years. After my mother died, I was adopted by my grandparents, but I still had the deep scars that were inflicted in the previous years. I was deeply depressed, to the point that I actually contemplated suicide. My family moved to Texas, and I slowly started to get better, but nothing has helped me as much as karate

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