"Karatedo as "Do" Section from Master Shigeyoshi's Book Butokukan Karatedo (currently being translated)
Karatedo as “Do”
Karate was written ”唐手(karate)” at first, but came to be written “空手 (karate)”, and then later shifted to “空手道 (karatedo)”. The usage of the word “do” describes the significance of building one’s character, more-so than the techniques that karate consists of.
The first purpose of karatedo is character-building as “zest for living”. This is depicted within the first article of the dojo oath (see below), which further describes the said purpose. Incidentally, our school’s education places high importance on raising “zest for living”.
The first step to practicing karatedo is to keep in mind that we need others, such as teachers, colleagues, and other contributors who can teach and be taught in order to improve one another’s skills. We always have to accept each other and enhance our humanity together.
There is no point in practicing if you get violent, selfish, or uncooperative with people even though you win matches. We should make the best use of the karate spirit in our daily lives (zest for living) as we need to reflect on ourselves and be strong-willed in this era of confusion.
There are various karatedo forms: sport, healthy activity, and self-defence art based on character-building. Additionally, karatedo also should adapt to the needs of the times.
We should keep it in mind that “character building” is the base even in teaching “sport karate”. It is important for the instructors to develop the students physically, and mentally as well. It’s deplorable when the instructors focus so much on winning in a match without teaching manners and cooperation with others.
I have been thinking of a practice method, “karatedo for the elderly”, for people over seventy years old. I am going to build a practice considering the role karate can play for health so that we can live long and healthy lives.
In regards to karate as self defence, I think a practice method for it needs to be built as well. I feel the practice of detailed kumite, pre-arranged kumite, jujutsu, and so on is important since there is no knowing what will happen in this age.
The idea of “katsujinken (Never kill an enemy nor be killed under any circumstance.)” must be pursued through karate.
There seems to be a lot of things to do in my life to realize my ideals!
Dojo Kun
Dojo Oath
1. Karate cannot be without a human hand.
One must live by certain ideals thoroughly as a practitioner.
1. One must stand by common courtesy and manners within the dojo.
1. One should balance harmoniously the virtues of wisdom, courage, and technique.
1. One must hold a proper posture and befitting gentle behavior.
1. One must comprehend that the teachings are lifelong lessons channeled through not only the art, but also our daily lives.
1. One must be selfless and accepting towards one another with no held conceit or animosity, as they constantly strive for self improvement.
Dojo Kun
Hitotsu. Hito atteno karate dearu. Karate no riso ni tettei seyo.
Hitotsu. Reigi-saho
Hitotsu. Chi, yu, jutsu no chowa
Hitotsu. Tanseina shisei, onwana taido
Hitotsu. Inochi kagirino michi dearu.
Hitotsu. Jiko wo munashushite hito wo ire, hito wo uramazu manshin sezu, tsuneni naikanteki shuyo ni tsutomeyo.
The reference above to "the first article of the dojo oath" refers to this section of Master Shigeyoshi's earlier chapter Meaning of the Dojo Oath (of which I will be sharing more soon):
1. Karate cannot be without a human hand.
- “Respectful attitude for interacting with people”
First of all, it is important for practitioners to live their lives while upholding a respectful attitude towards their neighbors. We learn karate with that mindset.
- “Respect people.”
Respect yourself first. You will notice the existence of other people because you exist (are alive). You cannot live nor love yourself without others. It is important to respect people as well as yourself.
- “Karate cannot be without a human hand.”
Precisely, through a human hand, many things can come into creation, such as family , workplace, and school. From the viewpoint of respecting others, you mustn’t use violence against anyone. You must give priority to protecting yourself without fighting. It is a discipline to cultivate the mental strength enough to be able to keep yourself calm even when you are offended. I’d like you to learn “karate spirit as convenience” not as a weapon.
Chinese classical philosophers had two views of human nature:
- Moshi = “Seizen-setsu” (the view of human nature as fundamentally good)
- Junshi = “Seiaku-setsu” (the view of human nature as fundamentally depraved)
Japan adopts “seizen-setsu” in which anyone who has made a mistake can be reformed because he or she is fundamentally good. So, education is important. The dojo oath expresses a wish and the determination that each of us should lead a wonderful life, playing a part in bringing our country prosperity.
- “The ideals of karate”
An education where karate is taught as a convenience, not as a weapon, is an ideal. Teachers should value this point and teach it to their students.