Philosophy…
Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny...
…Watch your destiny, for it becomes others thoughts...
'It is true to be said that the practice of martial arts should add years to your life,
and life to your years.'
One's personal view of martial arts training should be very traditional in its approach for quality rather than quantity. It must be realised that for instance, it is not how many kata a karateka may know, but how well they are performed that demonstrates the actual value. It is important to remember that true karate lies not in the head, but in the heart. The essential qualities are to respect the values of a good attitude towards yourself, your family, fellow martial artists and also to society in general. Thus as you gradually progress and develop in your training, you should ultimately become a much more balanced, disciplined, respectful and humble individual. It is central to a students understanding that Karate is in fact a path to perfect one's character.
'Remember, if your temper goes forward; hold back your hand.
If your hand goes forward; hold back your temper.'
One should believe that a person initially learns a martial art primarily to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Also as a means of learning an effective form of un-armed combat for long-term health, vitality and personal safety.
'Control your emotions or they will control you.'
The martial arts should never be abused. Awareness, harmony and wisdom can be realized through the long-term study of the martial arts. Strength of character is defined by the control of negative emotions such as bigotry, prejudice, hate, anger, arrogance, boastfulness and ego. With power comes great personal responsibility. The martial artist should endeavour to become a responsible, disciplined and respectful person, always behaving in a mature and humble way towards all of their personal acquaintances throughout life.
"Karate ne sente nashi"
(No first attack in karate)
Gichin Funakoshi.
Any practitioner of a martial art must always remember that their combat skills should only be used as a very last resort when placed in any confrontational situation. Always take full responsibility for your intentions, words and actions. Always think before you act. You must at all times try to diffuse any potentially dangerous situation by trying to talk your way out of it, backing down, apologizing or running away if necessary. There is no shame in acquiescence. In fact, a true martial artist would use intelligent reasoning to diffuse a hostile situation whenever possible, rather than resorting to any physical violence.
"Sen no sen"
(Strike first)
There may well be occasions in life when a martial artist could face no alternative but to become forced into using their skills on a physical level. On such occasions be absolutely sure to show mercy and compassion to your assailant(s) by merely only using enough physical force as is necessary to stop them from causing you any harm. The fallacy that one 'isn't allowed to use karate outside of the dojo' is a common misconception. The use of karate is acceptable in a self-defence situation provided that all the above rules have been applied. Karate is only defensive as taught as a moral principle. If one believes that there is a definite and unavoidable impending risk of an attack, then a controlled and appropriate offensive technique(s) could be used to subdue a would-be assailant.
Moral obligations and the law
If you use 'excessive' rather than 'justifiable' force, even in self-defence, you will be held legally accountable for your extreme actions and viewed as the aggressor rather than the victim in a court of law.
"To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not success.
To subdue the enemy without fighting is the ultimate skill"
Sun Tzu
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