Happy World Karate day. ‘Karate no Hi’ (空手の日).

 

Posted by ADAM CARTER on OCT 25, 2024

Happy World Karate day. ‘Karate no Hi’ (空手の日).

In 2005, the Okinawa Prefecture Assembly passed a resolution declaring October 25th ‘Karate no Hi’ (空手の日), or ‘the Day of Karate.’ This date carries profound significance, marking a day when Okinawa’s unique martial heritage, developed over centuries, was formally named ‘Karate’ – ‘empty hand’ – a term now familiar to enthusiasts around the world.

The choice of October 25th reflects a key moment in 1936, when Okinawan masters gathered to officially adopt ‘Karate’ as the name for their martial art. This change, seemingly small, was both a defining moment for Okinawan martial arts and a bridge to its global future. The name ‘Karate’ – moving from ‘Chinese hand’ (唐手) to ‘empty hand’ (空手) – symbolized a new identity. It affirmed Karate’s independence from its influences, signifying openness and adaptability while embracing Okinawa’s unique philosophy and cultural heritage.

Today, ’Karate no Hi’ celebrates the impact of this decision and its lasting legacy, honoring the art’s values of discipline, respect, and resilience. As we commemorate this day, we reflect not only on technique but on the principles that make Karate a way of life. It’s a day to look back on the martial art’s evolution and to look forward, carrying its spirit to new generations and preserving the essence of ‘Karate-do’ – the way of the empty hand.

Written by Adam Carter – Shuri Dojo.