By very the nature of Zen-Buddhism's influence on Karate, Karate-do established itself in Okinawa as 'unique' compared to other forms of Martial Arts. During turbulent, feudal times of Asian history, other Martial Arts carried out the chief aim of mortally injuring and maiming as many enemies as possible.

In contrast, 'Karate' was developed as spiritual art form, whose goal extended beyond self-defence, to the ultimate goal of peace.
"A kind heart shows a person's true strength."
--Ikemiyagi Masaaki Hanshi

Karate philosophy emphasized teachings that true strength and character came through the demonstration of compassion towards others, self-discipline, meditation, and appreciation of the spirit. Yet despite notions of enlightenment, Karate training comprised superior defensive techniques, and throughout Okinawa's oppressive times under foreign rule, such techniques necessitated training in superior offensive situations.

Today, Goju Kai Karate is well-regarded as one of the most effective self-defence systems in the world. It utilizes directed blows of the hands and feet, accompanied by special breathing techniques and energy channelling shouts, which are dealt from solid, poised positions. The Traditional Masters of Goju Kai Karate are regarded as, 'Kanryo Higaonna, Chojun Miyagi, and Sensei Gogen Yamaguchi'.

Upon the onset of the 1600's, under rule of the King of Tokagawa, Japanese feudal lords, or the 'Shogunate', invaded and conquered the Island of Okinawa in an occupation which would last the next 270 years. To prevent any further peasantry uprisings, the Shogunate proceeded to outlaw the use of all weapons throughout the Ryukyu Islands. This encouraged the Okinawans to develop and refine empty-hand self-defence techniques, which were trained in secret and passed down as an integral part of Okinawan cultural heritage, from generation-to-generation, father-to-son.

Evidence of how extremely close Karate was kept to Okinawa was demonstrated by the fact that Karate training was not formally introduced to the Japanese public until 1922, by Funakoski Gichin. Karate is now chiefly associated with Japan, embraced by the country as part of its cultural history.

However, the secret origins of Karate's highly effective fighting style can be said to extend much further back in time than its ultimate home in Japan, or even the Island of Okinawa for that matter. The founding hallmarks of Karate's deepest roots and most powerful fighting techniques can be traced to influences from old and ancient fighting styles, such as Indian-Hindu Kalaripayat, Chinese Wai Chia, Whit Crane Wushu, Buddhist Shaolin Kempo and Naha-te, in what is essentially, an ongoing Martial Arts ancestry which has been handed down through history, from teacher-to-student, for more than 1000 years...