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"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in
victory nor defeat,
but in the perfection of the character
of its participants"
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True Karate-do is this: that in daily life, one's mind and body be trained
and developed in a spirit of humility; and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice.
I started my venture into Shotokan karate shortly after the beginning
of my Sophmore year in High School. I remember that first day clearly as if it was yesterday. I walked in the back room and
was greeted by many smiling and happy faces. They assured me that my first day would be difficult, but not to be discouraged.
I went into the training room excited because the people were so friendly and kind. Surely they would go easy on me because its
my first day. That idea soon left my mind as these smiling faces turned into punching, sweaty, and screaming students
in white garb that hit you. hard. I was scared shitless, but determined not to leave. The next day I noticed that
both my forearms were severely brused, and I was sore everywhere. I went back the next day. and the next too. So months went
by and I slowly learned the hidden rules, customs, and do-nots. I fell in love with the art, and recieved my blackbelt
4 years later. It was a great honor, but its also an honor that a karate-ka knows they don't need. Think of this: If I were
to remove my belt, do I forget everything I learned? No. A blackbelt doesn't give u magical powers, or give u bragging or
ass kicking rights. It is a mark of dedication and persistance. As far as I am concerned, i wouldn't care if I wore a white
belt forever. Shotokan students recognize that a blackbelt isn't the end, its the beginning of a journey, that my previous
4 years prepared me for....and what a 4 years it has been.
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| Dojo Kun |
The Dojo Kun is a set of guidelines that karate-ka are supposed to follow. Notice
that they are all numbered as "1" because they are all equal.
English
1. Seek perfection of character.
1. always be faithful.
1. endeavor and excel.
1. always
respect others.
1. refrain from violent behavior.
Japanese
Jinkaku kansei ni Tsutomuro koto.
Makoto no mishi wo Mamuro koto.
Doryoku no seishin wo Yashinou
koto.
Reigi wo Omonzuru koto.
Kekki no yu wo Imashimuru koto.
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This is Master Gichin Funakoshi. (1868-1957) He is the founder
of Shotokan Karate. Born in Okinawa off the coast of Japan he started practicing martial arts at his doctors request.
Gichin was very sickly, and it was thought that karate would strengthen him. It did. Funakoshi went on the develop Shotokan.
A hard style (versus soft) that emphasizes "one punch one kill", stability, and debilitating techniques. Shoto, being his
pen name for is poetry which means "pine waves". He is considered the father of karate.
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These are the Niju
Kun, or Master Funakoshi's 20 precepts. To me, they sum up karate very well....
1. Karate is not only
dojo training.
2. Don't forget that Karate begins with a bow and ends with a bow.
3. In
Karate, never attack first.
4. One who practices Karate must follow the way of justice.
5.
First you must know yourself. Then you can know others.
6. Spiritual development is paramount;
technical skills are merely means to the end.
7. You must release your mind.
8. Misfortune
comes out of laziness.
9. Karate is a lifelong training.
10. Put Karate into everything
you do.
11. Karate is like hot water. If you do not give heat constantly it will again become cold.
12.
Do not think you have to win. Think that you do not have to lose.
13. Victory depends on your
ability to tell vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
14. Move according to your opponent.
15.
Consider your opponent's hands and legs as you would sharp swords.
16. When you leave home, think
that millions of opponents are waiting for you.
17. Ready position for beginners and natural position
for advanced students.
18. Kata is one thing. Engaging in a real fight is another.
19. Do
not forget (1)strength and weakness of power, (2)expansion and contraction of the body, (3) slowness and speed of techniques.
20.
Devise at all times.
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