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Nowadays Karate is one of the most popular martial arts loved by more than 130 million enthusiasts around 180 countries. What many people may not realize is that Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, and that the martial art is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the islands.

At its heart, karate is a martial art dedicated to respect and peace. The following are the words of karate masters that embody principles shared by practitioners around the world:

• "In karate, never attack first."
• "Hit not. Be not hit. Avoiding conflict is the fundamental principle."
• "Never forget, karate begins and ends with respect."

For 450 years from 1429 to 1879, the islands of Okinawa were an independent nation, the Ryukyu Kingdom. The kingdom found great success as a bridge between nations. It traded with neighboring countries, and the various influences of its trading partners blended, and evolved to form the unique culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shaped gradually over the centuries, karate is an aspect of this culture.

Centuries-long evolution likely began when trade was established with China, and martial arts from across Southeast Asia were introduced to Okinawa. During the reign of the Ryukyu King Sho Shin (1477-1526), It was practiced by members of the ruling classes from all across the islands, who lived in the capital, Shuri.

In 1609, forces from the Satsuma Domain (present-day Kagoshima) invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom, and a ban was placed on citizens of the Ryukyu Kingdom from carrying weapons.

After the dissolution of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1879, by the Meiji government of Japan, new schools of karate developed, and the art became further diversified. Around this time, karate masters such as Anko Itosu are credited with modernizing the martial art and making it more accessible to the general public. As Okinawa integrated into Japan, karate gained popularity on the mainland and overseas.

After WWII, rules regarding styles and the establishment of dojos became more flexible. Dojos could be set up more independently and freely, and karate spread quickly. Students of Okinawa karate practitioners set up dojos on mainland Japan, and Americans who studied karate while stationed on military bases in Okinawa took their new skills back home.

There was significant emmigration from Okinawa to North America, South America, and Europe around this time, and emigres from Okinawa took karate skills with them. Many of these dojos from other areas of Japan and from around the world maintain strong connections with Okinawa, karate's spiritual home.

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