Philosophys of Shotokan

GoldDragon · Black Belt

Something I taught my students I wish to share with you all:

DOJO KUN
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Hitotsu. Jinkaku Kansei ni Tsutomuro Koto.
One. Seek Perfection of Character

Hitotsu. Makoto no Michi wo Mamoru Koto.
One. Defend the Path of Truth

Hitotsu. Doryoku no Seishin o Yashinau Koto.
One. Strive to Excel

Hitotsu. Reigi o Omonzuru Koto.
One. Be Courteous

Hitotsu. Kekki no Yu o Imashimuru Koto.
One. Refrain from Violence
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As you read the kun you should notice something. Each line begins with the number 1. Why? Why not 1, 2, 3, etc.? Well, Funakoshi sensei felt that no item of the kun was any more important than another. Therefore, each item was number 1. Get it?

You should read and study the kun. As you do, you will come to understand it better each and every time you read it.

NIJU KUN
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Karate-do wa rei ni hajimari, rei ni owaru koto wo wasuruna.
Karate begins and ends with courtesy

Karate ni sente nashi.
There is no first attack in karate.

Karate wa gi no tasuke.
Karate is an assistance to justice.

Mazu jiko wo shire, shikoshite tao wo shire.
Know yourself before you know others.

Gijutsu yori shinjutsu.
Spirit before technique.

Kokoro wa hanatan koto wo yosu.
Be ready to free your mind.

Wazawai wa getai ni shozu.
Accidents come from inattention.

Dojo nomino karate to omou na.
Karate training is not only in the dojo.

Karate no shugyo wa issho de aru.
You will never stop learning karate.

Arai-yuru mono wo karate-ka seyo, soko ni myo-mi ari.
Make karate part of your life and you will find myo.

Karate wa yu no goto shi taezu natsudo wo ataezareba moto no mizu ni kaeru.
Karate is like hot water. If not given continual heat, it will go cold.

Katsu kangae wa motsu na makenu kangae wa hitsuyo
Do not think you must win. Instead, think that you do not have to lose.

Tekki ni yotte tenka seyo.

Tattakai wa kyo-jitsu no soju ikan ni ari.

Hito no te ashi wo ken to omoe.
Think that your hands and feet are swords.

Danshi mon wo izureba hyakuman no tekki ari.
Be aware of your actions so as not to invite trouble.

Kamae wa shoshinsha ni ato wa shizentai.
First master low stances, then natural posture.

Kata wa tadashiku jissen wa betsu mono.
Practicing kata is no substitue for the real thing.

Chikara no kyojaku, karada no shinshuku, waza no kankyu wo wasaruna.

Tsune ni shinen kufu seyo.
Think of ways to apply these precepts every day.

MIND LIKE WATER
(Mizo No Kokuro)
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When performing, practicing or using karate, one must maintain a "mind like water". Yeah, right. What are you TALKING about?!?

This refers to the mental attitude while facing an actual opponent. It refers to the need of making the mind calm, like that of an undisturbed body of water.
Smooth water reflects accurately the image of all objects within its range, and if the mind is kept calm, comprehension of the opponents movements, both psychological and physical, will be both immediate and accurate, and one's responses, both defensive and offensive, will be appropriate and adequate.
On the other hand, if the surface of the water is disturbed, the images it reflects will be distorted. In other words, if the mind is preoccupied with thoughts of attack and defense it will not properly comprehend the opponent's intentions creating an opportunity for the opponent to attack.

Water also other properties. Water can be quite destructive. In fact, over time, water is one of the most destructive forces on earth. Your mind must be like water. When necessary, be as destructive as you must.

MIND LIKE THE MOON
(Tsuki No Kokuro)
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This refers to the need to be constantly aware of the totality of the opponent and his/her movements, just as moonlight shines equally upon everything within its range. This means that one should watch just part of the opponents body such as the hands or feet, rather watch the entire body. With the thorough development of this attitude, the consciousness will be immediately aware of any openings in the opponent's defenses.
Clouds blocking the light of the moon are likened to nervousness or distractions. These distractions stop the light from shining on everything. Likewise, they make comprehension of and reaction to the opponent's moves more difficult than they need to be.

UNITY OF WILL AND MIND
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If the mind is compared to the speaker of a telephone, then the will is like the electric current. No matter how sensitive the speaker, if their is no electric current, no communication takes place. Likewise, even if you correctly comprehend your opponent's movements and are aware of an opening, if the will to act on this knowledge is lacking, no effective technique will be forthcoming. The mind may find an opening, but the will must be activated in order to execute the appropriate technique.
THE BEST DEFENSE
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The best defense is a good offense!" We've all heard that before. And, yes, it is true, in most cases. So, does that mean we should be beating up everyone before they beat us? No, not at all.

Shotokan is a martial art. It is a fighting system. With it, we can cause serious damage to others (and ourselves if we are not careful).

Avoid the situation altogether (ie going to a bar where you know there will be trouble if you go)
Walk or run away from the situation if it presents itself
Talk your way out of it (God and evolution gave you a brain so use it)
Control techniques (for friends or ones who are annoying but not threatening) and finally
Use force for force.

Thanks for your time to read this and I hope this helps you understand Shotokan as much as it was taught to me by my Sensi Lee Hi Wang

Karateka · Red Belt

Thank you for that input!

_________________
"Never hit a man while he's down; kick him, its easier"

Sensei Ron Bagley (My Sensei)

Karateka_latino · Black Belt

wow, that is great .. very very very Good.
Thanks for sharing with us my friend.

moobrack · Black Belt

WOW!
I benefited greatly from that piece of Information,Thanx

_________________
Anthony Bullock
1st Dan Black Belt - Shotokan Karate
5th Kyu Yellow Belt - Aiki-Jutsu
www.universaldojo.com Coming Soon

angiewinter · Orange Belt

I benifit from that too, although it took me an hour to read it all!! hee hee
luv lots
Ang

_________________
Angela Winter
orange belt, shotokan karate
Karate International Black Belt Schools UK
NEVER BE INTIMIDATED, NEVER GIVE UP NEVER BE DEFEATED.
you are what you are.

GoldDragon · Black Belt

you all are very welcome for the input of the Philosophy of Shotokan Karate

Sorry, if it was tooooo long!
My fingers wanted the exercise.....lol!!

angiewinter · Orange Belt

your fingers must be very fit and in good shape now!!! lol

Peace

Ang

_________________
Angela Winter
orange belt, shotokan karate
Karate International Black Belt Schools UK
NEVER BE INTIMIDATED, NEVER GIVE UP NEVER BE DEFEATED.
you are what you are.

GoldDragon · Black Belt

LOL angie!!!

_________________
Kung Fu Black Belt 1st Dan
GoldDragon Academy
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Kodek · White Belt

Thank you for posting this. I have found it not only interesting but also very educational.

There are some of the things outlined that I have always tried to maintain.

I have always tried to maintain a clear, calm mind and to be constantly aware of everything around me. The second part I find quite difficult at times, but I do my best at it.

Again, thank you for your insight.

Karateka · Red Belt

Now here's a question for the masses. How many people actually implement these into their daily lives?

_________________
"Never hit a man while he's down; kick him, its easier"

Sensei Ron Bagley (My Sensei)

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