“KARATE-DO”; “the way of the empty hand”. The names of most Japanese martial arts are suffixed “DO”, e.g. “KENDO”, “JUDO”, “KYUDO”, “JODO”, “AIKIDO”.
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“DO”, “the way” or “path”, is meant to convey the idea of a long journey or undertaking in a sense similar to a pilgrimage, a long-term commitment, perhaps even with spiritual implications. To follow the way is a constant test of personal qualities, but can provide many rewards in terms of physical and mental well-being.
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So the suffix “DO” serves to emphasize that the aim of practicing a martial art is mental and spiritual, as well as technical and physical.
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Some martial arts are unique in that harmony of mind and body is actively promoted; this is, in fact, essential to development in “karate-do”. We should not neglect a weakness to concentrate solely on strengths, but try to develop all senses and abilities.
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As far as karate-do is concerned, to make progress one has to learn correct techniques, with the right attitude. One cannot expect instant results, we have to practice day after day over a long period of time. Only by committed practice can you gradually develop your inner feelings and deepen your understanding.
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This long process then, is “DO”, “the way”: the path to gaining high mental and spiritual achievement as well as to attaining the most economical and effective techniques and excellent health. ??
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The famous Samurai swordsman Miyamoto Musashi wrote in his “Book of Five Rings”: “Sennichi no keiko o tan to shi: mannichi no keiko o ren to su” – To be adequate one has to train for one thousand days: to become proficient one has to practice for ten thousand days”.
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? Photo Credit: Kuro Obi World. – Tatsuya Naka 7th dan JKA & Minoru Higa 10th dan Kyudokan