My focus in these short articles is to share my personal experience and provide a modern interpretation of each of the 20 precepts, both in the dojo and in life in general. In no way do I claim to have "the" insight to what Funakoshi was thinking when he wrote them. Nor do I think my interpretation is applicable for everyone. With this context, I share my thoughts with you humbly and sincerely. I hope you gain or validate your own personal insights in my writing, and explore how they can benefit you in many aspects of your life.
3. There Is No First Strike In Karate
"A sword must never be recklessly drawn was the most important tenet of conduct in the daily life of the samurai. It was essential for the honorable man of the day to bear things to the very limit of his ability before taking action. Only after reaching this point where the situation could no longer be tolerated was the blade drawn from the scabbard. This was the basic teaching of bushido (the Way of The Warrior)". Gichin Funakoshi
For those who have never trained in a traditional martial art this seems foreign to their understanding of what they think it is. When students first join some think karate will be about learning how to fight and "kick butt". Most movies and TV shows perpetuate this idea of karate. I guess movies like the Karate Kid help with the truer meaning behind karate but there are few movies that I have seen that have done a good job with it. Probably the best film I have seen was a movie from 2007 entitled Black Belt from Japan. I encourage you to see it if you have not. http://www.amazon.com/Black-Belt-Akihito-Yagi/dp/B001F0TT2O
For those of us that do train, this also can be a confusing axiom from the dojo kun. Do we not train to execute blocks, kicks and punches? If ever called upon to use them, would we not want to use them to the fullest of our ability to end the fight as quickly as possible? During kumite does this mean that we are not allowed to strike first?
The answer to the first two questions of course is yes and the last of course no. Training karate does not mean you are not allowed to use it. It means that the best fight is the one you never have. It means that one should avoid confrontation if possible. It means that one must not abuse the knowledge you have been given and one should be as mentally strong as you are physically strong. True power is the peaceful way before confrontation, and to not be reckless in your actions or words.
What is the "victory" in defeating a lesser opponent? It is empty. What is the point in engaging in destruction? It is much more difficult to create than to destroy. What is the purpose of coercion as a way to get what you want? Cooperation is more powerful and more enduring. Only when no option exists to seek peaceful solutions should the blade be drawn from the scabbard.
If there was ever a time the world needed more of this philosophy it is now. I am not here to comment on political or social issues of our time other than to say the world needs more of this IMHO.
On a personal level, how many times have we rushed to confrontation vs. seeking a more peaceful solution? On the highway? At stores with associates? At sports arenas? In the office? At home? With family? The list is endless. Words can be weapons too.
The implications are applicable in and outside the dojo. The message is not to roll over and be a wimp. The message is restraint. The message is about what is true power. The message puts peace before confrontation.
Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations from beginner to advanced levels of all ages that come from across the New York City metro area. Our unique way of combining martial arts training, etiquette and philosophy with the modern concepts of fitness, self-defense and competition is unparalleled. We ensure your training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.
Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do martial arts school is now offically open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local Westchester County communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, Mount Vernon, Scarsdale, White Plains and Yonkers as well as the Bronx and NYC metro area.
For those of us that do train, this also can be a confusing axiom from the dojo kun. Do we not train to execute blocks, kicks and punches? If ever called upon to use them, would we not want to use them to the fullest of our ability to end the fight as quickly as possible? During kumite does this mean that we are not allowed to strike first?
The answer to the first two questions of course is yes and the last of course no. Training karate does not mean you are not allowed to use it. It means that the best fight is the one you never have. It means that one should avoid confrontation if possible. It means that one must not abuse the knowledge you have been given and one should be as mentally strong as you are physically strong. True power is the peaceful way before confrontation, and to not be reckless in your actions or words.
What is the "victory" in defeating a lesser opponent? It is empty. What is the point in engaging in destruction? It is much more difficult to create than to destroy. What is the purpose of coercion as a way to get what you want? Cooperation is more powerful and more enduring. Only when no option exists to seek peaceful solutions should the blade be drawn from the scabbard.
If there was ever a time the world needed more of this philosophy it is now. I am not here to comment on political or social issues of our time other than to say the world needs more of this IMHO.
On a personal level, how many times have we rushed to confrontation vs. seeking a more peaceful solution? On the highway? At stores with associates? At sports arenas? In the office? At home? With family? The list is endless. Words can be weapons too.
The implications are applicable in and outside the dojo. The message is not to roll over and be a wimp. The message is restraint. The message is about what is true power. The message puts peace before confrontation.
Since 1988, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate has been committed to teaching traditional karate and values for a modern world. Under the leadership of Norman Smith Sensei, Way Of Life Shotokan Karate instructs hundreds of students at our various locations from beginner to advanced levels of all ages that come from across the New York City metro area. Our unique way of combining martial arts training, etiquette and philosophy with the modern concepts of fitness, self-defense and competition is unparalleled. We ensure your training is vigorous, while maintaining a safe and fun learning environment that encourages students to reach their fullest potential.
Way Of Life Shotokan Karate Do martial arts school is now offically open at 501 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck NY, 10543 serving the local Westchester County communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, Mount Vernon, Scarsdale, White Plains and Yonkers as well as the Bronx and NYC metro area.
