Forging a personal path.
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Ultimately karate-ka who put in the training hours with the right teachers and mentors, often end up ‘doing their own thing’.
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Sometimes you will hear people say; “but it’s just made up”. Well yes, of course it is. Isn’t everything in the beginning? Everyone will be influenced by somebody or something. We learn from our experiences after-all. But it’s not made-up in the sense that it isn’t real.
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Martial arts, with their rich histories and diverse forms, have captivated and inspired individuals for centuries, and can offer a transformative journey of self-discovery, discipline, and physical prowess.
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While many practitioners find satisfaction in following established styles, instructors, traditions and lineage, there are those daring individuals who embark on the extraordinary endeavor of creating their own personal pathway.
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Creating something personal, begins with inspiration. Martial artists, driven by a deep passion and desire for self-expression, seek to push the boundaries of their chosen discipline.
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They may find inspiration from their own experiences, cultural heritage, or even through a combination of various martial arts. They envision a unique system that reflects their own values, strengths, and goals, often offering a fresh perspective.
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This can involve studying different disciplines, techniques, philosophies, and training methodologies.
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By analyzing and synthesizing the strengths and weaknesses of existing practices, practitioners can form a solid foundation upon which their own pathway can be built. This process requires an open mind, adaptability, and a deep understanding of martial arts principles.
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Innovation is the heart of creating. It involves experimenting with principles and techniques. Developing movements, and integrating different elements to suit your own vision.
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This process demands creativity, intuition, and an unwavering commitment to refining and perfecting principles and techniques, constantly adapting and evolving based on practicality and effectiveness.
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Every martial art carries its own set of principles and philosophy, and following your own pathway is no exception.
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Defining core values, ethics, and objectives that guide your martial art. Whether it’s self-defense, personal growth, spiritual development, or a unique amalgamation of these, the philosophy becomes the compass that shapes the techniques, training methods, and overall approach.
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The process of creating a personal pathway goes beyond just physical training. It is a transformative journey that challenges practitioners to delve deep into their own psyche, confront their limitations, and push the boundaries of their abilities.
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‘Shu Ha Ri’ (守破離) is a concept that describes the stages of learning and mastery that individuals go through as they develop their skills and knowledge in a particular discipline.
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It acknowledges the importance of learning and respecting the fundamentals, progressively breaking away from strict adherence to explore and innovate, and eventually reaching a stage of transcendence and individual expression. It emphasizes the balance between tradition and innovation, providing a framework for personal growth, skill development, and mastery.
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To do your ‘own’ karate, to follow your own path, means that you have internalized what you have learned, and in that sense it’s a part of you; you have made it your own. This does not necessarily mean that you are doing a different ‘style’ to your teacher(s).
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Therefore, understand the learning journey, and create. Stand on the shoulders of those who came before you….. if only to view your own unique path.
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