A Brief History of Karate in America - By: Pat Tray

The United States has a rich history of many of its citizens practicing martial arts from around the world. Not only are they a good way of learning how to defend yourself, but martial arts are also fantastic for forging a finely-honed physique. There are many areas in the US where you can study martial arts, such as karate. Woodbridge in Northern Virginia is one of the best places in the east to learn many of the others, such as Thai boxing. While there are many factors involved in an individual’s decision to choose a particular martial art, this article is aimed at those interested in the American history of karate: Woodbridge residents can ask their local instructors if they want to learn about the other martial arts that are available.

The Seeds are Sown

Following the conclusion of hostilities in the Pacific during World War II, American soldiers picked up a number of skills and interests from the local populations. One of these interests was the local martial art that is known as karate. The small numbers of American servicemen who learnt from the local population were enough to give it a future back home.

The Early Years in America

The first dojo was a Shuri-ryu dojo set up in 1945 in Phoenix by Robert Trias. During the 1950s, the number of instructors grew at an incredibly rate, with dojos popping up coast to coast offering citizens the chance to learn karate: Woodbridge to San Diego, Fargo to Dallas, this mid-century period saw the American appetite for Japanese martial arts explode.

Another of the early pioneers to bring karate to the US was Tsutomu Ohshima. Ohshima had studied the martial art during his time at Waseda University, and by 1952 had become the captain of the university’s karate club. In that year he was also awarded his sandan - the third degree black belt rank - as well as working on formalizing the judging system that is used in tournaments to this day.

When Oshima travelled to America to continue his studies at UCLA in 1955, he was quick to establish a practice. In a further administrative step he established the Southern California Karate Association which was to become the American national organization in 1969. This time was to mark the national spread of karate - Woodbridge included. In the years that have followed, the sport has grown from strength to strength, becoming one of the most popular pastimes in the country.

About the Author

Pat Tray is chief instructor at the Trident Academy of Mixed Martial Arts, the premier training and instruction centre for martial arts and Karate. Woodbridge is home to the Trident Academy - a perfect base to study Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, Combat Submission Wrestling and Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, bringing together the best martial arts instructors from across the NOVA and DC area.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Pat-Tray/224357

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