Mi a karate? Funakoshi Gichin esszéjének fordítása és elemzése
What is karate? Translation and analysis of Funakoshi Gichin’s essay

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present a Hungarian translation and analysis of the short introductory essay titled What is Karate? (Karate to-wa nanzo-ya? 唐手とは何ぞや), published in the 1922 book Ryūkyū Kenpō Karate 琉球拳法唐手, which is the first major publication of Shōtōkan karate 松濤館空手 founder Funakoshi Gichin 富名腰義珍. Funakoshi’s essay is one of the earliest published Japanese-language sources on the history, masters, primary schools, and kata forms of karate, and it also offers a brief outlook on the potential future of the martial art, including the introduction of competition and modern grading systems. In addition to the full Hungarian translation of the original text (available in the appendix), the paper provides a detailed analysis of the factual accuracy, emerging contradictions, and errors in the information presented in the essay, as well as points to consider regarding its contemporary interpretation. This is achieved through the examination of subsequent research, related works, circumstantial evidence, and other contemporary sources. The paper aims to provide more extensive information on the historical figures mentioned only briefly by Funakoshi (Sakugawa Kanga 佐久川寛賀, Kūshankū 公相君, Anson アンソン, Iwā イワー, Wai Shin Zhan ワイシンザン etc.) by incorporating other primary and secondary sources, as well as discussing the precursors and name variants of the earliest karate schools (Shōrin-ryū 昭林流/少林流 and Shōrei-ryū 昭靈流), while addressing the veracity and contemporary critiques of the essay’s claims. The essay lists the forms (kata) practiced by Funakoshi, about which the paper provides further details by incorporating additional sources and further chapters from Funakoshi’s book. Furthermore, the paper includes research based on other contemporary primary sources. Its most significant part is the Hungarian translation of a relevant excerpt from the work titled Ōshima hikki 大島筆記, written in 1762. Additionally, the paper contains quotes and summaries of the writings of contemporary masters, including Miyagi Chōjun 宮城朝順, Mabuni Kenwa 摩文仁賢和, and Nakasone Genwa 仲宗根原和 who reflect on Funakoshi’s essay and the factual accuracy of its claims. Through this, a more complete picture can be gained about the reception of the essay and its contemporary context.

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