What Karate Is (and is not)
Karate is a martial art of Japanese origin through which the practitioner will be trained to confront and manage an attacker using evasion or blocking, and counter-attacks using kicks, punches and strikes with empty hands (Kara Te means Empty Hands). Other skills also, like joint manipulation techniques, releases and takedowns are also studied in karate, but to a lesser extent compared to blocking, kicking, punching, and striking. People practice karate not only for self defence, but also for self improvement, mental/physical development and fitness.
.
Karate is not a game of points, or showy demonstrations. It is a martial art and a Way of Life that trains practitioners to be be confident and peaceful; but if conflict is unavoidable karate dictates taking down an opponent decisively, finishing the attacker with a single blow. Such an action requires confidence, strength, precision, speed, focus, control. But these are only parts of the practice, a vehicle, not the journey itself.
.
True karate is based on Bushido - The way of the warrior. In true karate, the body, mind and spirit —
the whole person — must be developed simultaneously. Through kihon, kumite and kata we learn to
control our movements and condition the mind so we can perform the techniques without thinking
about them, and remain focused without having to concentrate on any one thing. In essence, through
training the body remembers how to move and the mind remembers how to be still. This harmonious
unity of mind and body is intensely powerful. Even the greatest physical strength and skill are not comparable for the power of wholeness.
the whole person — must be developed simultaneously. Through kihon, kumite and kata we learn to
control our movements and condition the mind so we can perform the techniques without thinking
about them, and remain focused without having to concentrate on any one thing. In essence, through
training the body remembers how to move and the mind remembers how to be still. This harmonious
unity of mind and body is intensely powerful. Even the greatest physical strength and skill are not comparable for the power of wholeness.
The result of true karate is natural, effortless action, and the confidence, humility, and peace only
possible through perfect unity of mind and body. This is the core teaching of Zen, the basis of Bushido,
and the philosophy behind traditional karate-do. ‘The way of the empty hand’.
possible through perfect unity of mind and body. This is the core teaching of Zen, the basis of Bushido,
and the philosophy behind traditional karate-do. ‘The way of the empty hand’.