Training Principles, Maxims, and Thoughts on the Way
To start the new year right, I’ve pulled together what I view as the most important principles, maxims, and thoughts on the Way for martial artists. Many books on karate, strategy, and philosophy cover topics related to training and self-mastery. That material, coupled with years of experience and the excellent instruction I’ve received from my teachers forms the basis for this post. So, without further ado…
Training Principles
Train every day. This is important. Lose it if you don’t use it. Your black belt (and every belt in between) is part of a process and is not a destination. You need to continually train your body and mind to have them respond they way you’ll need them should the need ever arise.
The aim of karate is self-improvement, personal growth, and to cultivate noble character.
Karate is only to be used for self-defense or to protect and preserve life. You should never attack others of your own initiative.
Learning true patience lies in bearing the unbearable.
Avoid fighting at all costs. Sun Tzu writes that “The greatest victory is the one that which requires no battle.” Take this to heart as it applies to the street, the boardroom, and in our personal lives.
The ultimate aim of a karate student should be peaceful coexistence with all.
Include spiritual and trade and/or academic training in your life. This can be anything from becoming more involved in your church or learning more about eastern philosophy. Go deeper in your spiritual life. Learn something else new, as well. It could be a new trade or taking a new course. The way of the warrior is the two-fold way of pen and sword. Miyamoto Musashi wrote that you should learn the ways of all professions. A wise, tempered warrior is a good one.
They are human and so are you.
You can not develop your full potential while living in the trap of self-limitation.
You must discard self-limitation.
If they practice 3 times, you must practice 6.
Earnestly cultivate your mind as well as your body and believe in yourself.
A loose mind is one of the weakest points in karate.
Try to make progress always and don’t lose yourself.
Be moderate in your daily life.
Training can be thought of as the conflict within yourself which can only be won through self-discipline, hard training, and creative effort.
Maxims
Karate beings and ends with respect, Courtesy is foundational to martial arts, life, and a civil society. Never forget this.
Cleanliness: There can be no reformation of yourself with out keeping yourself clean and no keeping yourself clean without having your mind right.
Diligence: This is everything. Literally. Diligence easily compensates for lack of natural ability. Diligence is what allows a normal person to move a mountain.
Train and live with humility.
Be calm in mind and swift in action.
It is important to drink and pursue other types of fun (in moderation). The art of someone who takes themselves too seriously lacks flavor.
One must be able to read, at a glance, the striking power any one person has. Again, this applies to the board room as much as it does to the street.
Hints for Training
Practice hitting the vital areas and learn where they are. If you need to defend yourself, plan to end the conflict as quickly as possible - the longer it goes on, the longer your remain at risk.
Order of succession: eyes -> feet -> hands (This is how you should move/engage, always).
Begin your training with warm ups and stretching. I can’t overstate the importance of this. As a young person, stretching can help prevent training injuries. However, it becomes incredibly important as you approach middle age and older. It will literally mean the difference between being able to train and not.
On the Way of the Martial Artist
Do not think dishonestly.
The Way is in training.
Become acquainted of the way of every art.
Know the ways of all professions.
Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters.
Develop intuitive judgement and understanding for everything.
Perceive things which can not be seen.
Pay attention to even trifles.
Do nothing which is of no use.
In order to know the truth, one must experience it.
These lists represent a lifetime of reading and lessons and forms the basis of my own philosophy which I am sharing the spirit of teaching. To learn more and go deeper, I would recommend the following reading:
Art of War, Sun Tzu
A Book of 5 Rings, Miyamoto Musashi
Okinawan Karate, Mark Bishop
The Essence of Okinawan Karate Do, Shoshin Nagamine
Karate My Art, Motobu Choki
Nintai - Philosophical Lessons in Okinawan Karate, Lawrence Mark Vellucci
Karate-Do My Way of Life, Gichin Funakoshi
