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Okinawa (RyuKyu), Japan is the birthplace of modern day karate and kobudo. The following is a compilation of different sources of information about the evolution of Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate and Okinawan Kobudo or Ryukyu Kobudo.

Historians believe that the art of Okinawa Te first originated independently of any other combat system. It is also believed that this system of unarmed combat can be traced back over 1000 years.

The island’s own disunification gave rise to many aggressive warlords, each battling for supremacy of the island. Moreover, because the islanders were not of wealthy status, weapons were scarce. As a result, there was a strong incentive for the development of unarmed combat.

By the mid-1340s, Okinawa entered into a trade relationship with China. This trade and political friendship allowed the Okinawan people to observe the different aspects of China, and they were thus exposed to the Chinese martial arts system. Furthermore, by the late 1300s, in a tributary relationship, 36 Chinese families and businessmen settled on Okinawa. These families brought with them a variety of skills, including Chinese martial arts.

Through the 1400s, the island experienced much turmoil. At first the island was unified by King Sho Hash, who destroyed the former dynasty and established his own. Soon all arms were banned on the island, in fear that the reign might be overthrown. As a result, the emphasis on unarmed fighting arts further progressed. The main villages of Okinawa are credited with the main styles that emerged from Okinawa Te. From the village of Shuri came Shuri Te. From the village of Naha came Naha Te. Finally from the village Tomari, came Tomari Te.

In addition to empty hand combat, the Okinawans also began the practice of Kobudo (Weapons). Because of King Sho Hashi’s ban on the traditional weapons (such as samurai swords), the Okinawans began using their everyday farming implements as weapons. From this practice the most commonly thought of weapons became the Bo (six foot staff), the Eku (six foot oar), the Kama (grass or cane sickle), the Tonfa (utility handle), and the Nunchaku (Horse bit, or even rice flail). However because the Okinawans never restrained the practice of survival, it is conceivable that these particular weapons might not have been the only weapons practiced. In fact, the Zen Okinawan Kobudo Renmei (Matayoshi Kobudo) and Ryukyu Kobudo Hozonkai make use of Kuwa (Japanese Hoe), the Timbei and Rochin (Shield and Dagger), as well as Nunti (Japanese spear).