(Approx 2 minute 30 second read)

“We must keep the spirit of Budo no matter how we practice.” – Yoshimitsu Yamada (1938-2023)
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I received a comment on one of my recent articles about teaching in the martial arts. The basis of my article was to give appreciation to teachers who continuously share knowledge, foster curiosity, and instill values, in their students impacting their lives both inside and outside the dojo.
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Anyone who knows me or reads my articles would know that I advocate for practical, functional karate. For me, stuff has to work.
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However, the comment suggested that I did not consider the self-defense aspects of martial arts in my article. The commenter stated that I “could say the same thing about coaching and training in basketball, golf, or almost any other sport.”
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He concluded by expressing concern that “the most important outcomes that can be achieved through martial arts are excluded from statements like this, e.g., the ability to defend yourself and your family against violent attack.”
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It is clear he has not read any of my previous articles. That’s okay; I change the subjects of my articles from time to time. And yes, you could say the same thing about coaching and training in basketball, golf, or almost any other sport – but I don’t teach those, and for me, karate is not a sport.
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I agree that self-defense and the ability to protect others are critical aspects of martial arts training. I address these points in many of my articles, and I teach these vital aspects at my dojo. However, comments like this highlight a vast misunderstanding about martial arts in general – which to me is not surprising.
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The commenter ended by stating that “a teacher’s purpose is to ensure the student is prepared to apply martial arts responsibly when necessary.”
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I completely agree.
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The martial arts have evolved from tools of civilian self-defense to include disciplines of personal growth and development. While self-defense remains a core component, it’s no longer the sole focus.
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Today’s students seek a holistic experience that encompasses physical fitness, mental acuity, and much more. To limit the martial arts is to ignore the rich tapestry of benefits they offer, without ignoring the core tenet of self-defense.
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Applying martial arts responsibly when necessary is something all teachers should instill in their students. Unfortunately, I have witnessed many who do not.
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The martial arts also offer unique benefits beyond physical defense, such as fostering discipline, respect, and humility. We have a responsibility to ensure we teach ethical values alongside practical, pragmatic karate, and the same can be said if your game is competition.
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I believe that the martial arts are a microcosm of society. The values we cultivate in the dojo are the ones we carry into our daily lives. Respect, humility, and discipline aren’t just empty catchphrases; they are the foundation upon which strong individuals are built. By neglecting to instill these values, we risk creating skilled fighters without moral compasses. This is a disservice to both the individual and society as a whole.
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These qualities are essential for the responsible use of the skills learned and for teaching them. While practical application is vital, there also needs to be a broader purpose that values de-escalation and compassion alongside defense.
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Function, practicality, self-defense, physicality, mental toughness, ethical grounding, are all present if you search for them – all of these qualities help to create well-rounded individuals capable of not only defending themselves but also capable of developing responsible and engaged individuals.
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Otherwise, we might as well practice something other than a martial art.

AC