World Karate Day
An original copy of the Ryukyu Shimpo article about the “Meeting of the Masters” in 1936, from Motobu Naoki
In 2005, the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly officially established October 25th as Karate no Hi (Day of Karate), or as it has been more commonly known, World Karate Day. This day was chosen because on October 25th, 1936, the landmark “Meeting of the Masters” took place, and the name “karate” was officially adopted as the name for the unarmed martial arts traditions of Okinawa. That meeting was hosted by Ryukyu Shimpo, the Okinawan newspaper, and featured such renowned masters as Motobu Choki, Chibana Chosin, Miyagi Chojun, Kyan Chotoku, and more. Much of the conversation revolved around what various people called the martial arts that they practiced, and what they thought it should be called going forward, with most using the kanji, 唐手, or “toudi,” meaning “Tang hand” or “China hand,” and some simply using 手, or “te/ti,” meaning “hand” or “skill.” Genwa Nakasone pointed out that people on mainland Japan had taken to using the kanji, 空手, or “karate,” meaning “empty hand,” and Hanashiro Chomo, one of several students of Itosu Anko in attendance, said that he had been using those kanji in his own writing since 1905. Though there was some disagreement, the decision was made to promote karate using this new name, marking the meeting as the official founding date of karate.
The goal of establishing World Karate Day was to highlight and celebrate the history of the art and the cultural impact it has had on not only Okinawa, but the entire world. This event is very popularly celebrated on Okinawa with demonstrations of karate and kobudo by everyone from young children to the greatest living masters of our time. Many karateka and kobudoka come to Okinawa from all over the world to participate in these demonstrations, packing the streets with people in keikogi running kata and swinging weapons. Since the Karate Kaikan opened, there have also been demonstrations performed there, which draws more people to see the wonderful educational materials and historical artifacts found there.
Participants of the 100 Kata for Karate Day Challenge at the Karate Kaikan on Okinawa. Photo by Chris Wilson Photography.
One of the most popular celebrations of World Karate Day is the 100 Kata Challenge, which was originally created by the founder of the DOJO Bar and Asato Dojo, James Pankiewicz, as a way to bring karateka all over the world together, no matter where they may be. Of course, many people choose to join this challenge on Okinawa, but for those who can’t travel, it is an activity that they can participate in and know that thousands of other martial artists around the world are doing the same challenge. Many members of the International Neoclassical Karate Kobudo Society have participated in this event, in the past, and will be doing so in the future. No matter how you wish to celebrate it, we wish you all a happy World Karate Day!
