REINVENTING KARATEDO: THE MODERN NAME ADOPTING OF THE OKINAWAN MARTIAL ART

Abstract

This paper deals with the reconstitution of identity that the Okinawan martial art underwent during the first half of the 20th century. Karate is widely practiced throughout the planet, but its process of global diffusion only occurred after the change to its current name. The objective of this historical research is to identify the elements of the process of rupture and the identity renegotiations that culminated in the adoption of the name Karatedō. A qualitative study was developed based on the assumptions of cultural history. Data collection took place in primary sources such as newspapers and manuscripts from Okinawa and Tokyo in the first half of the 20th century. This study reveals a drastic break in the current paradigm, removing from Funakoshi Gichin in the establishment of the name Karatedōand, and pointing to the leading role of other uchinānchu in this change, in addition to this process having occurred amidst much resistance and power struggles.

Keywords
History; Sport; Karate; Japan