Philosophy of Karate

Introduction

A visitor entering a Karate dojo (school) for the first time is likely to feel he has come into a strange new world and one is immediately struck with many paradoxes. Karatekas practice sparring in pairs, under the watchful eye of the ever present Sensei, and they seem determined to maim each other. This silent atmosphere is broken by blood-curdling shouts or “kiais” (spirit shouts). Yet there is no injury and no one is angry or frightened. On a command from the Sensei the apparent hostilities cease and the partners bow respectfully to one another. It is apparent to the shrewd observer that there is more going on here than practice fighting. Karate is a complex art, not unlike ballet, it is also a sport, not unlike boxing, and Karate is a mental and moral exercise, indeed, almost a spiritual experience. In each practice session there is a concentrated effort to unite mind, spirit and body just as Bodhidharma sought to do with the Zen priest almost 1500 years ago.

Karate for the Body

Karate is a strenuous sport and art which Sense is usually require that beginners have a medical check-up before the first lesson. As with all active sports there is the laborious process of getting in shape. Jogging daily, skipping rope and limbering up stretching calisthenics are prerequisites for learning. In each lesson ten to twenty minutes are devoted to warming, stretching and limbering up the muscles. Special exercises are used to stretch the hamstrings and calf muscles. Hand and foot toughening is done to some extent by all Karateka, but for board breaking, special toughening exercises are needed. Board breaking should not be attempted without special instruction from the Sensei. Reflexes must be quick since punches and kicks are delivered with the speed of light, so to speak. Balance is very important in all phases of Karate and learning to relax between punches, kicks and blocks is very difficult to learn for even athletically skilled Karateka.

Time and again the Sensei will tell his Karatekas, both novice and advanced alike, Relax-relax-then focus, then relax again. The Karate forms (Kata) require complete unity of mind and body, and the 180 degree turns and leaping kicks all require the exact amount of relaxation, balance and sudden focusing of total body power into a single punch or kick.

The strenuous physical exercises, including push-ups on the bare knuckles, are no more strenuous than other active sports and is mastered eventually. The coordination, balance, and ability to relax between focuses of power are very difficult to master as they require complete control of body and mind, this is the physical challenge of Karate. Remember, the journey is itself a goal. There is no rush, practice daily and learn to relax.

Karate for the Mind

Obviously, Karate requires intense concentration and an ability to focus ones attention intently for a moment, then turn the entire attention away to another direction and a new target. Mastering these new movements, requires intelligence and patience. Each new technique may be something like rubbing the stomach and simultaneously patting the head while hopping on one foot, while relaxed. All of this mental challenge and discipline is in itself worthwhile but Karate still offers more, it is also a spiritual and moral challenge.

Karate for the Spirit

Aggression is not merely a response to frustration, it is a deep seated universal drive. The most crucial issue facing mankind today is whether or not man can learn to understand, ritualized or otherwise control his aggression. This means sublimating his natural aggression into a ritual that is constructive, healthful, controlled and yet effectively lets off steam. Karate offers modern man such a discipline. Karate training allows the primitive aggression to explode and simultaneously Karate allows the civilized man to carefully control the force and channel the energy. Karate then helps release some of the inner repressed rage of 20th century man in a manner that is healthful, fun, mentally challenging and morally acceptable. This discipline control is taught by the lifestyle and example of the Karate Sensei. The Karateka learns this by trying to be like his Sensei. It cannot be taught by word of mouth, only by the Sensei deeds and example. Avoiding Attack

One is advised to fight only when absolutely forced to defend himself. The surest preventative measure is to avoid situations where physical assaults are likely to occur, avoiding high risk neighborhoods and people who have proven themselves to be bullies. Always be alert and observant. Pay particular attention to suspicious persons and unusual situations. Try to develop the ability to sense danger, so you can either avoid it or prepare yourself for action if it can’t be avoided. Above all, remember it is easy to find trouble if one seeks it or to find peace if one sincerely wishes it. However, even an individual who tries to avoid violence may be confronted with physical attack. If such a person has supreme confidence in his defense abilities, he will normally have the social courage to rapidly leave the scene or to try to talk his way out of fighting. In other words, a well-trained person feels so secure that proving himself to anyone, including himself, is unnecessary. This attitude is one of the cornerstones of spirituality in Karate.

CREED OF KARATE

K - Knowledge and wisdom gained through concentrated effort and training.
A - Attitude possessed through respectfulness and obedience.
R - Remember that happiness is not the end in life, but that character is.
A - Assuring I bear no malice in thought, word or deed.
T - Truthful to the art of Karate.
E - Ever ready to aid, bearing no discrimination, those who might need my help.

CREDO

ABOVE ALL ELSE TO SEEK AND TRAIN MY MIND AND BODY TO OBEY MY WILL QUIETLY. TO SEEK AND ADJUST MYSELF TO EVERY CONDITION, GOOD OR BAD, WHICH I MAY MEET IN MY DAILY LIFE.

MOTTO

Please believe in God, respect the law, especially do not use violence or break the law for any reason and cooperate with all law officers. Live in peace and be happy. Thank you! Rev. James Mitose