“I hope that the next generations will not only improve technically but also know how to share their knowledge. People must pass on the traditions and not lose them.” ??
.
Teruo Chinen 9th dan Goju Ryu (1941-2015)
.
.
Old-style karate was for use in self-defense in a civilian environment. For karate to be ‘traditional’ it should also be practiced for self-defense in a civilian environment.
.
Traditional Okinawan karate is a highly effective system, that covers all aspects of fighting, and is very relevant to self-defense today, as it was hundreds of years ago. By studying your kata and practicing the art in its entirety – as they did in the past – you are ensuring that you develop the necessary skills to defend yourself in actual combat.
.
In the 1967 book, ‘Karate: Beginner to Black Belt,’ H D Plee (who was one of the pioneers of karate in Europe) wrote; “One must not lose sight of the fact that karate is ‘all-in’ fighting. Everything is allowed …This is why karate is based on blows delivered with the hand, the foot, the head or the knee. Equally permissible are strangulations, throwing techniques and locks.”
.
The next time someone tells you that ‘Traditional Karate’ is an out-dated and ineffective art, ask them exactly what they mean by ‘Traditional’?
.
.
With thanks to Iain Abernethy.