For centuries, the island of Okinawa has been a center of trade and cultural exchange between China and Japan, making it a prime location for the practice of martial arts. Okinawans have had a long-standing tradition of martial arts, which can be traced back to the very beginnings of recorded history. This tradition is rooted in the merging of Chinese and Okinawan martial traditions, resulting in the birth of “kara te”, or roughly translated “Chinese hand”. Over time, the word “kara” was re-interpreted to mean “empty”, and the tradition of Chinese-influenced Okinawan empty-hand combat has continued and grown on the island. For centuries, Okinawans have had a deep-rooted tradition of martial arts that dates back to the earliest days of recorded history. This tradition is believed to be the result of the merging of Chinese and Okinawan martial traditions, resulting in the birth of “kara te”, or “Chinese hand”. Over time, the word “kara” was re-interpreted to mean “empty”, and the practice of Chinese-influenced Okinawan empty-hand combat has been passed down and developed through the centuries on the island. Okinawa has long served as a hub of cultural exchange between China and Japan, making it a perfect place to observe and learn about martial arts.