The Relationship Between Karate and White Crane

[vantheman]

I have always heard that Karate is a blend of Okinawan empty-hated combat styles and Chuan Fa (primarily White Crane). Based from what I have observed and seen, I would have to say that of all the various Chinese Martial arts, White Crane would look most similar to Karate (I couldn't really see any other animal Kung Fu styles more closely resembling Karate at least). Obviously, they are very different styles, but from what I've seen the "fingerprint" of White Crane can be seen in Karate. The first kanji of the karate kata Rohai, for example, translates to "Heron," "Egret," or, most relevantly, "Crane." Given the kata's similarity to a crane, I would argue that this kata is a testament to the legacy of Fujian Crane Kung Fu in Karate.

[cheesefrysamurai]

Solid post!

Well in Goju ryu case we are told that Kanryo Higaonna studied white Crane under Ryu Ryuko/Xie Zhongxiang, So i have no doubt of the influence of it. But, as Nidan Melbourne said Okinawa was a melting pot. and the original Okinawan Te's have influences from elsewhere. and each "Master" Studied multiple arts.

With that said:

Do you think that White Crane is the source of all karate? No

Some karate?

Yes, influences on Naha-Te Styles.

How much of an impact do you think it had on the development of karate?

You can see quite a a few similarities in Kata, particularly in Naha-Te Styles.

Do you think that "White Crane" kata found in karate systems are links to this mysterious past?

It had influences, But I don't think it's the solo link to the past.