Karate is a way of life, a way of reality. I have committed over 46 years of my life to the study, practice and teaching of karate. I am convinced that karate has much to offer today in the 21st century as it did many years ago. True karate is the training of body, mind and spirit together.
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Karate, like life, is a struggle; a struggle with our own weaknesses, with our egos, our selfishness, and our narrow mindedness.
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Growth in karate comes through repetitive daily practice of the basics and studying karate at every opportunity. Today, society finds repetition boring and stifling. Many times I hear that; “I’m not learning anything new”. The discipline of repetition is at the heart of karate. Through repetition, we can quiet the inner dialogue between the ego and the over-thinking mind. There are no shortcuts to anything of lasting value.
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A true karate-ka strives to be the best student, or teacher, or the best person he or she can be. Trying to attain 100% effort in everything they do. Always asking; “can I do better.”
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The truth is that technique will only get you so far. To be your best, knowledge and skill must be led by spirit. Fighting spirit. Without spirit, it doesn’t matter what you do, or how good you are at doing it, the odds are pretty high that you’re going to lose to someone with less skill and more spirit. Your “Spirit” is your true shield.
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Strict discipline, respect and courtesy, sincere practice with physical and mental training. This is the “spirit” of karate.
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“Gijutsu yori shinjutsu.” – Spirit before technique. Gichin Funakoshi. ??
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With thanks to Ando Mierzwa.