Time Line

Martial Arts Time Line

20th c. BC

Murals in tomb 15 at Beni Hasan, depicting wrestling techniques.

18th c. BC

The Babylonian Gilgamesh epic describes includes the major hand-held weapons (sword, axe, bow and spear) used prior to the gunpowder era.

8th c. BC

Roughly the start of Greek Olympic Competition. Through the popularity of the Olympics, martial arts like boxing, wrestling, and pankration flourished.

8th c. BC

Homer's Iliad describes many scenes of hand-to-hand combat in detail.

800 BC

Boxing in China can be traced back reliably to the Chou dynasty.

700 BC

Wrestling in China.

6th c. BC

Sun Tzu writes The Art of War, one of the seminal works in military strategy and tactics, during the Warring States period of Chinese history.

300 B.C.

Foundation of Taoism, which later influences Chinese internal or soft styles such as Hsing-i and Tai Chi, which involve the cultivation of chi and the study of nature and animal movements.

264 BC

First recorded Gladiatorial combat staged in Rome by Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus

50 B.C

Earliest records of Korean indigenous martial arts called Taekkyon found in paintings in the Muyong-chong, a royal tomb from the Koguryo dynasty.

23 BC

First Sumo match took place in front of Emperor Suinin of Japan.

72 AD

The Coliseum opens in Rome, providing the public with the world's largest martial arts venue for over the next three hundred years.

2nd century

A Greek papyrus manuscript on wrestling is written. It is the earliest known European martial arts manual.

477 AD

The first abbot of Shaolin was Batuo, an Indian dhyana master who came to China in AD 464 to spread Buddhist teachings.

220

Hua To ("five animals play" - tiger, deer, monkey, bear and bird) was developed.

470

Bodhidarma was born as the Prince of Kanchipura in the south of India.

500

The primary Shaolin Temple is built at the western base of the Chinese Song Shan mountain range, at the orders of Emperor Hsiao-wen. Successive Chinese emperors authorize fighting monks to train in the Temple. Other Shaolin temples are built in China thereafter.

516

The Shaolin temple was built.

527

Bodhidarma arrived at the Shaolin temple.

547

The first reference to Bodhidarma was written in "The History of the temples Lo-Yang", by Yang Hsuan-Chih.

550

Indian monk Bodhidarma (called Dharuma in Japan) founds Zen Buddhism and contributes Maipayat to Shaolin temple boxing. His philosophy includes static meditation and related breathing techniques, and includes the martial virtues of discipline, humility, restraint, and respect for life.

630

Hindu temple artwork in India depicts unarmed combat techniques.

670

Shaolin monks save the emperor of China.

672

The Chronicle of Japan" ("Nihongi" in Japanese) was written, and the word "bugei" was used for the first time.

728

Date of the "combat stele" at the Shaolin Monastery

780

Butokukai was founded by Emperor Kamu.

782

Japanese Heian period begins. Curved swords called Tachi (large sword) appear. Although samurai did not technically appear until the 12th century, in appearance these are the early curved swords commonly recognized as "samurai swords."

1100-1300

Shaolin heroic period.

1156–1185

Japanese Samurai class emerges during the warring period between the Taira and Minamoto families. The warriors code of Bushido also emerges during this time.

1274

The first Mongolian attempt on invasion of Japan was stopped by the samurai.

1281

The second Mongolian army (150,000 men) was destroyed by the typhoon "Kamikaze" after 49 days of battle.

1300's

Chuan'fa reached its zenith during the Ming dynasty.

Malla Purana (Gujarat) ca. 1300 – MS I.33, the oldest extant martial arts manual detailing armed combat.

1338

Japanese Ashikaga period, during which Samurai caste expands its influence further. Many schools of swordsmanship flourish. The period ends around 1500.

1372

Okinawa and King Satto officially established a dialogue with Emperor Ming of China. Trade between the realms begun, and Chuan`fa introduced on Okinawa.

1393

Chinese officials were assigned to Okinawa; several of these were experts in Chuan'fa.

1400

China sends delegations to Okinawa, which then begins trading extensively with China and Japan. The indigenous Okinawan unarmed combat art called “Te” is likely influenced by Chinese and Japanese arts over the next three centuries, forming the basis for the modern art of Karate.

1400's

Pai Ho chuan (white crane Gung Fu) is developed in Tibet.

1447

Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-Ryu was founded in Japan. Today's oldest existing martial arts school.

1477

The Okinawan king Sho Shin, influenced by the Japanese, bans the carrying of arms. Similar bans occurred in Japan in 1586. Both apparently led to the underground development of striking arts and may have encouraged unarmed combat techniques designed for use against armored soldiers, such as Jujutsu.

1542

The Portuguese introduced firearms in Japan reducing the status of skill in unarmed battle.

1549

Hayashizaki Minamoto is born and later founds the art of Iajutsu or Iaido, the art of drawing and cutting with the sword in a single motion. Successive masters of his school can be traced to the present day

1600's

Dragon style chuan'fa (T'ang Lang chuan'fa - praying mantis) was developed in the shaolin temples.

1600

A newer style samurai sword, called a katana or daito, is widely used.

1609

The Satsuma clan invaded the Ryukyu islands and Okinawa. They again forbade weapons among the civilians.

1643

Legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi is believed to have written The Book of Five Rings, a seminal work regarding the art and philosophy of the samurai and swordsmanship.

1674

Chinese Emperor K'ang Hsi's army burns the Shaolin Temple at Song Shan, perhaps due to concerns around the capabilities of its fighting force. The temple is rebuilt, but this event disrupts 1,100 years of concentrated training in that facility. Many of the surviving monks are believed to have moved to other temples, spreading Shaolin boxing further.

1700's

Hsing-I (mind form), wu shu style, developed in the Shaolin-temple at Wu-Tang mountain.

Development of Wing Chun Kung Fu

Chinese temple frescoes depict Shaolin Temple monks practicing unarmed combat. Okinawan Te and Chinese Shaolin boxing styles mix as part of trade between the countries.

1743

Jack Broughton, an English bare-knuckle fighter, writes the first rules of boxing, later to become the London Prize Ring rules in 1838.

1750

First shinai was constructed by Chuzo Nakanishi.

Techniques of the Chinese martial art Tai Chi are written down.

1776

Wing Chun Gung Fu was founded.

19TH CENTURY

1800's

Pa Kua chuan'fa (eight trigram palm fist way) was founded.

1830's

Choy Li Fut Gung Fu was founded.

1842

Huo chuan chuan'fa (monkey style Gung Fu) was developed.

1851

Kanryo Higaonna, founder of Naha-te, is born March 10th

1866 (1868)

Kanryo Higaonna sails to Fukien province, where he studies Chinese martial arts with Ryu Ryuko.

1867

John Graham Chambers publishes a revised set of rules for boxing. They are publicly endorsed by John Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry, leading the rules to become known as the "Marquess of Queensberry rules".

1868

End of the samurai clans, and Gichin Funakoshi was born.

1882

Jigoro Kano founded Kodokan Judo and opened the first dojo at the Eiso-Ji temple. One of his training methods, called randori, removed more dangerous striking techniques to emphasize grappling and submission locks between students practising at full-force. His students taught Judo using randori around the world during the early 20th century.

1883

Morihei Ueshiba was born, the founder of Aikido. T Tsunejiro and Shiro were given shodan by Kano sensei.

1888

Chogun Miyagi, founder of Goju Ryu, is born on April 25th.

1890

Kanryo Higaonna introduces Naha-te and a breathing exercise called Sanchin.

Sumo, Kendo and Judo became part of the curriculum in the Japanese school system for boys (naginata-do for girls).

1892

The first world heavyweight boxing championship is fought under the Marquess of Queensberry rules of 1867, which are similar to those used today. Jim Corbett defeats John L. Sullivan.

1893

Hironori Ohtsuka, founder of Wado-ryu karate, was born.

1893-1901

Edward William Barton-Wright studies Jujutsu in Japan and created Bartitsu upon returning to England, one of the earliest introductions of Japanese martial arts in the West and the first known martial art to combine Asian and European fighting styles.

1895

Dai Nippon Butokukai was reestablished.

1899

Kenwa Mabuni was born, founder of shito-ryu karate.

1900

British and American soldiers in Japan begin learning techniques from the Japanese Army.

1902

Chogun Miyagi begins his training with Kanyro Higaonna

1902

Karate became a part of the curriculum for Okinawan schools.

1906

First official demonstration of karate on Okinawa.

1907

Jigoro Kano designed the gi model which is used today.

1908

Chojun Miyagi enters the Armyand served in the Fifth Division of Kumamoto for three years.

1908

Amateur boxing becomes an Olympic Sport.

1909 - Jan 21

The founder, Gogen Yamaguchi was born in Kagoshima Pref.

1915

Kanryo Higaonna dies on December 23rd. Chojun Miyagi travels to Foochow province in China and trains in several local styles including Chugoku Kempo.

1917

Chojun Miyagi returns to Okinawa and becomes an instructor at the Okinawa Ken Police Training Center, Naha City Commercial School, Okinawa Normal School, and the Prefectural Health Center.

1917

Funakoshi sensei gave the first demonstration of karate in Japan. The demonstration was not very successful in gaining interest for the art.

1920 - 1925

Mitsuyo Maeda, a student of Jigoro Kano's, travels to Brazil (among other places) to spread Judo and Jiu-Jitsu teachings. He also participates in several challenge matches. In 1925, Carlos Gracie, a student of Mitsuyo Maeda, opens his school, the first for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The art is further refined by the Gracie family thereafter, particularly by Carlos' brother Helio Gracie.

1921

Miyagi gives a Naha-Te demonstration to Crown Prince in Nakagusuku Bay, Okinawa.

1922

Funakoshi sensei's second demonstration became a success and he founded the first dojo in Tokyo.

1923

Masatatsu Oyama, founder of kyokushinkai karate, was born in Korea under the name Choi Young Li.

1925

Ueshiba sensei demonstrated, for the first time, his own version of Aiki-Jutsu.

1927-28

Chojun Miyagi founds Goju-Ryu karate, also becoming the first to give his style a name other than that of the city from which it is produced.

1928

Chojun Miyagi travels to Japan (for the first time) and teaches karate at Kansai, Kyoto, and Ritsumeikan universities

1928

Shaolin temple records are burned, destroying many documents and records of earlier martial arts.

1929

Gogen Yamaguchi entered Ritsumeikan University, majoring law studies. He organized Karate studies club.

1929

Miyagi becomes an instructor at the Prefectural Police Dojo and later at Naha Courthouse, Prefectural Physical Culture Association, and the Prefectural Teachers' Training College. It was around this time that it became necessary to name the system that was growing in popularity throughout Okinawa and Japan. Goju-ryu karate was founded.

1930

Gogen Yamaguchi establishes Japanese Goju-Ryu headquarters in Tokyo. Chojun Miyagi is named Karate Division Chairman of the Okinawan Prefecture Athletic Association. Miyagi performs at the Dai Nippon Butokukai (Greater Japan Martial Arts Association, the official governing body for Japanese martial arts)

1932

Miyagi performs at the Sainei Budo Temple

1934

Chogun Miyagi lectures and teaches karate in Hawaii. He also becomes a permanent officer of the Dai Nippon Butokukai (Great Japan Martial Virtues Association).

1935

All Japan Goju-Kai Karate-Do Association is founded by Gogen Yamaguchi, who also originates jiyu-kumite (free sparring), the basis of sport karate. Gosei Yamaguchi is born.

1935

Yoshioki Yamashita achieved 10th dan in Judo from Kano sensei.

1935

“Karate” becomes official name of the Okinawan martial arts, based on the traditional art of “Te” (hand) and the term “Kara” (empty or unarmed).

1936

Gichin Funakoshi publishes the first edition of his book "Karate-Do Kyohan," documenting much of the philosophy and traditional katas (forms) of modern Karate. A second edition was published in 1973, many years after his death in 1957.

1936

Miyagi calls for martial arts unity and expressed the opinion that karate instruction should be made available to the rest of the world during a lecture in Japan's Sakaisuji Meiji Syoten Hall.

1936

Miyagi received a medal for excellence in the martial arts from the Japanese Ministry of Education, and also became the first person in karate to be granted the kyoshi title from the Dai Nippon Butokukai.

1936

In October of the same year, Miyagi attended a conference that adopted "karate" as official name of the martial art of Okinawa.

1936

The karate masters of Okinawa decide Karate will be the official name of Okinawa-te, and the first independent karate dojo is founded in Tokyo. It was named Shotokan by the students of Funakoshi sensei.

1937

Chogun Miyagi, along with other stylists, forms the Dai Nippon Butokukai Karate Jukkyoshi (great Japan Martial Arts Karate Teachers Association), under direction of Prince Moriwasa Nashimoto, commissioner of the Dai Nippon Butokukai. He also receives a Kyoshi Title from the Dai Nippon Butokukai.

1937

Shito-Ryu karate founded.

1938

Sambo presented by Anatoly Kharlampiev; Nguyễn Lộc introduced Vovinam to the public.

1939

Wado-Ryu karate founded.

1939

Gogen Yamaguchi is sent to Manchuria as an intelligence officer, where he is captured and held by the Russians.

1940

Chojun Miyagi creates the katas: Gekisai Dai Ichi and Gekisai Dai Ni

1940

Uechi-Ryu karate founded.

1942

Morihei Ueshiba begins using the term Aikido to describe his art, which is related to aiki-jujutsu. He is credited as the father of Aikido.

1942

September 28 - The present president Goshi Yamaguchi was born in Shinkyo, Manchuria.

1943

Judo, Karate, and Kung Fu are officially introduced in Korea, likely beginning to mix with the indigenous Korean arts.

1945

First Korean dojang, or martial arts school, opens in Seoul, Korea. Many other schools follow. Korean military personnel receive training in martial arts.

1945

World War II ends, with many more American and British soldiers stationed in Asia exposed to the martial arts.

1947

Gogen Yamaguchi is freed by the Russians and returns to Japan.

1949

Gogen Yamaguchi opened Dojo in Nihonzutsumi, Asakusa, Taito ward.

1950

By Gogen Yamaguchi's proposal, All Japan Karate-do Goju-kai was united. Asakusa Senzoku dojo was opened.

1953

October 8th - Chojun Miyagi dies.

1954

Bruce Lee begins his studies of Wing Chun Gung Fu under Master Yip Man.

1956

Kyokushinkai karate founded by Masatatsu Oyama

1956

Shimabuku holds a meeting with his students and proclaims his new system as “Isshinryu.”

1957

Funakoshi sensei dies.

1957

Taekwondo becomes the official name of the Korean martial arts.

1959

Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) is formed.

1959

Peter Urban introduces Goju- Ryu to the United States. In Union City, New Jersey

1960

Peter Urban opens the famous Chinatown Dojo.

1961

Gosen Yamaguchi went to the United States to enter a university and He opened a dojo in San Francisco

1963

Goshi Yamaguchi begins teaching Goju-Ryu in San Francisco.

1964

Gosei Yamaguchi joins his brother Goshi in San Francisco.

1964

Kyokushin Kaikan organization, founded in by Masutatsu Oyama.

1965

Goshi, the third child went to the United States.

1965

International Karate-do Goju-Kai Association was formed and united. Gogen Yamaguchi helps form the All Japan Karate-Do Federation.

1966

International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) is formed.

1969

Nisei Goju established

1972

Judo becomes an official Olympic sport.

1973

The Suginami Goju-kan head dojo was opened.

1973

The Bruce Lee film "Enter the Dragon" brings Asian martial arts to the United States domestic audience. He dies that same year.

1973

World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is formed.

1979

World Sansei Koryu Gojuryu Karate Organization established

1989

Gogen Yamaguchi passed away of acute cardiac arrest.

1995

Frank Ruiz passes away. Wilfredo Roldan, named Head of Nisei

2002

Jibiki, Sensei passes away.

2004 

 Peter Urban passes away. 

2012

The 33 year anniversary of World Sansei