Karate originated on the island of Okinawa as a hybrid of local fighting styles and Chinese martial arts brought over by immigrants. Early forms included Te, Tomari-te, Naha-te and Shuri-te. Over time, through trade and cultural exchange, Karate incorporated influences from Southeast Asia and Chinese martial arts like Five Ancestors. Notable early masters included Sakukawa Kanga, who studied in China, and his student Matsumura Sokon, who incorporated Shaolin styles and helped develop the Shorin-ryu style. Another student, Itosu Anko, is considered the "Grandfather of Karate" for creating easy kata that made Karate more accessible.