According to legend, the Zen Buddhist monk Bodhidharma traveled to Hunan providence in China around 500 A.D. He spent nine years in the Shao  Lin temple teaching physical exercises to the monks.  Bodhidharma's teaching is considered as the birth of chinese Kempo.  As Kempo spread throughout China, it divided into two main styles: Northern and Southern.  The Northern was characterized by straight and hard techniques, while the Southern had circular and softer techniques.

During the 14th century Kempo was introduced to Okinawa.  Okinawa's native fighting art, "Te" was practiced long before the introduction of kempo.  It is believed that  "Te" was combined with Kempo by the Okinawans and developed to the martial art, Karate-do.

Over centuries, Okinawa Te developed into these main styles:

NAHA-TE: Influenced by the hard techniques of Kempo and offensive in nature.

SHURI-TE: Influenced by the soft techniques of Kempo and defensive in nature. It was characterized by grappling, throws, joint locking techniques, and the use of "ki".