Friday lunch time Musings

Introduction

The development of "Shurite" and "Nahate" within the realm of Okinawan Karate can be comprehended by examining their distinctive roles within their respective localities. Shurite, operating in a dual capacity as both a clandestine security force and the guardian of royalty, possessed the legal mandate and financial means to employ a diverse array of strategies in pursuit of its mission: safeguarding the monarch and countering potential threats of assassination. Conversely, Nahate, originating in the Naha region, primarily directed its efforts towards the protection of crucial maritime trade routes. These routes were predominantly located on ships and docks, where a heterogeneous assembly of multinational Wako groups posed substantial challenges. These groups frequently exploited their national affiliations when advantageous. Unlike the martial practitioners of Naha, those aboard the vessels were officially equipped with only one sword and were confronted primarily by pirates, rather than engaging in the realms of espionage and assassination. This contextual understanding serves as the foundation for delving into the evolutionary trajectories of the Shurite and Nahate styles of Karate.

Below are my musing, meanderings and limited historical understanding of these two terms. I sincerely hope learnered readers can fill in the many blanks which lie below.

The terms "Nahate" and "Shurite" hold significant historical importance in the development of Karate, the martial art originating from the Okinawan islands. These terms represent two distinct schools or styles of Karate, each with its unique characteristics and historical origins. To understand when, where, and why these terms were first used publicly, it is imperative to delve into the history of Karate in Okinawa, Japan, and the influences that shaped its evolution. While the specific dates and sources for their first public usage remain elusive, this academic exploration will shed light on their emergence and significance within the context of Okinawan Karate's historical development.

Section 1: The Origins of Nahate and Shurite

1.1 Naha-te and Its Roots

The term "Naha-te," or "Nahate," finds its roots in the Naha region of Okinawa. It is closely associated with Higashionna Kanryo (1853-1916) and his renowned student, Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953). Naha-te embodies a set of martial arts practices that place significant emphasis on close-range combat techniques, precise stances, and breathing exercises. These practices incorporate elements from Chinese martial arts, particularly Fujian White Crane and various southern Chinese systems. The development of Naha-te was influenced by the extensive trade and cultural exchange in the 19th century between Okinawa and China.

1.2 Shuri-te and Its Beginnings

Conversely, "Shuri-te," or "Shurite," originated in the Shuri region of Okinawa, which served as the island's political and administrative center. It finds one of its earliest practitioners in Sakugawa Kanga (1733-1815). Shuri-te places a strong emphasis on agility, speed, and precision in techniques. Its influences span indigenous Okinawan martial arts as well as interactions with Chinese martial arts due to Okinawa's trade relations with China.

Section 2: Evolution of Nahate and Shurite

2.1 Formalization of Styles

The terms Nahate and Shurite were not initially used to distinguish these styles but developed organically as Okinawan Karate evolved. This evolution towards distinct styles gained prominence during the early 20th century when various Karate practitioners sought to formalize their approaches. Chojun Miyagi, a key figure in Naha-te, played a pivotal role in this process by founding Goju-Ryu Karate, which integrated Naha-te principles and thereby contributed to the crystallization of the Nahate style.

2.2 The Role of Anko Itosu

In the case of Shurite, Anko Itosu (1831-1915) played a crucial role. He is credited with introducing Karate into Okinawan schools and simplifying its curriculum. Itosu's students, including Gichin Funakoshi, significantly promoted Shurite on the Japanese mainland, ultimately popularizing Karate throughout Japan.

Section 3: Public Usage and Standardization

3.1 Lack of Early Documentation

It is important to acknowledge that specific historical sources providing the precise dates and records of the initial public usage of "Nahate" and "Shurite" as formal terms in written or documented form are not readily available. The early development of these terms was gradual and informal, primarily within the context of Okinawan Karate's historical development.

3.2 Funakoshi's Role

Public recognition and formalization of these terms as distinct styles with clear definitions likely occurred during the early 20th century when Karate was introduced to mainland Japan. Gichin Funakoshi, a prominent promoter of Karate in Japan, adopted the terms "Shuri-te" and "Naha-te" to distinguish between the two styles. Funakoshi's writings, including his 1922 book "Ryukyu Kempo: Karate," are among the earliest documented sources where these terms may have been publicly used and defined.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the terms "Nahate" and "Shurite" emerged organically within the development of Okinawan Karate as descriptors of the styles originating from the Naha and Shuri regions. While precise historical records pinpointing their first public usage remain elusive, the formalization of these terms likely occurred during the early 20th century. Figures like Gichin Funakoshi played pivotal roles in their popularization and standardization, ultimately contributing to the global recognition of Karate as a distinct martial art with a rich cultural heritage. These terms, while informal in their origins, hold a significant place in the history of Karate and its evolution from Okinawa to the world stage. here to edit.