About 500 years ago, martial arts were cultivated in Okinawa under the reign of the famous hero king Shohashi. 300 years later the development of karate as a means of unarmed self-defence, received tremendous impetus, since on the island the Japanese Government had prohibited the use of weapons. Because of this national policy the self defence techniques developed into a unique Okinawan martial art of karate, as we know it today.

In 1922, Master Ginchin Funakoshi, President of the Okinawan Association of Martial Arts, introduced karate-do to the mainland of Japan during the first National Athletic Exhibition held in Tokyo.

The demonstration turned out to be a great success, due to the inspiring personality of Master Funakoshi, who cultivated the typical Japanese aspects of karate such as courage, integrity, humility and self control karate became known as the martial art of the "true gentleman" and gained nation-wide popularity among university students. Master Funakoshi was not only a genius in martial arts but also a literary talent.

The "kara" of Karate-do was also interpreted by Gichin Funakoshi to mean "to purge [oneself] of selfish and evil thoughts, for only with a clear mind and conscience can [the practitioner] understand that [knowledge] which he receives." Funakoshi also believed that one should be "inwardly humble and outwardly gentle." Only through humility could one be open to Karate's many lessons, by listening and being receptive to criticism. He considered courtesy of prime importance. He believed that "Karate is properly applied only in those rare situations in which one really must either down another or be downed by him." To Funakoshi, it was not unusual for a practitioner to use Karate for real perhaps once in a lifetime, as Karate practitioners should "never be easily drawn into a fight." To him, one strike by an expert could mean either life or death. He who misuses the techniques brings dishonor upon himself. - Funakoshi, Gichin. "Karate-Do Kyohan - The Master Text" Tokyo. Kodansha International; 1973.

In 1949, the Japan Karate Association was established, with Master Funakoshi as the Chief Instructor. Through his exquisite skills and guidance, the Japan Karate Association could develop into a strong organisation with international reputation.