Karate Beyond the Dojo
Karate beyond the dojo is a guide to learn the most important principles in karate practices. Every martial artist at some point has come across motivational quotes emphasising the principles of practicing martial arts. It’s important to remember there is a lot more than kicking and punching. It’s also about incorporating a whole of life approach – developing the mind , body and spirit.
I have now been practicing Shotokon Karate for 5 years and loved that the philosophy principles has helped myself and so many people transform their lives.
Master Gichin Funakoshi – the father of Shotokan Karate – famously wrote that “the ultimate purpose of Karate is the perfection of character of its participants”. What this means is the following principles is a guide for enabling us whole of life growth, personal development and embracing and living the Karate-do – ie the ‘way’.
KARATE BEGINS AND ENDS WITH RESPECT
In any karate dojo around the world, the class begins and ends with a bow. You are required to bow whenever you enter or exit a class. Bowing is a show of respect to the hall (Dojo) you train, and to your fellow students and your instructors. It is also a courtesy to bow to your training partners before and after an exercise.
At the beginning of each training session in our dojo we would say our bows as a sign of respect.
SHOTOKON BOWS
Seiza! Kneeling position (other dojo adopt a standing up position)
Shomen Ni Rei! Bow to the front of the training hall
Sensei Ni Rei! Bow to the Teacher
Sempai Ni Rei! Bow to the Instructor (or senior student of Black Belt ranking)
Otagai Ni Rei! Bow to each other
Tatte! Stand Up (Rise)
THERE IS NO FIRST STRIKE IN KARATE
To me this was taught that an experienced martial artist’s greatest strength is their ability to stop any fighting; to peacefully avoid it where possible, to skilfully use de-escalation skills, and to walk away if they are able.
Nonetheless, when there is no alternative, a martial artist is taught to wholeheartedly seize the initiative, striking first to defend themselves and others. In other words embracing your warrior spirit.
KARATE STANDS ON THE SIDE OF JUSTICE (Karate Beyond The Dojo)
As karate practitioners we should always aim to ‘do the right thing’.
We reflect on what is right and what is wrong. which is fair, reasonable and making sure we do not break the law. In order for justice to occur, we can only use reasonable force and take it as far in order to protect ourselves. All while keeping honest integrity or uprightness.
FIRST, KNOW YOURSELF. THEN KNOW OTHERS
Karate taught me to never give up, facing your fears and learning how to become the best versions of ourselves. I learnt that a true martial artist should never have an ego and to know our strengths but also embrace our weaknesses.
I learnt to take personal ownership and hold ourselves accountable – for our thoughts and training in and out of the dojo. Once we learn this skill we can observe, listen to, and learn to understand others. This places us in a position of great strength, allowing us to see the bigger picture and plan the best course of action, whether in the Dojo, school or at work.
SPIRIT OVER TECHNIQUE
In traditional Karate, learning how to adopt a warrior/survival mindset is more important than executing the right technique. By having this ability you learn a lifelong lesson of self-improvement and how to use de escalation techniques rather than violence.
Karateka are taught how to recognise and avoid any potential danger by paying attention to their surroundings. When we are faced with conflict our mindset must be of alert, and keeping a clear and calm mindset. Only if fighting becomes necessary as a last resort. Karate practitioners know that their lives are worth protecting and will fight with 100% effort/heart and a warrior spirit.
Martial arts is more of a mental game than a physical one, so it’s important to train both in order to become a best martial artist you can be.
THE MIND MUST BE SET FREE
Every time we start learning a new kata or a new technique, we think each movement through carefully. We consider how it feels, patterns, whether we’re doing it right or wrong and what adjustments are needed to improve.
However, after you have been training for awhile it is important not to overthink as this can lead to you making mistakes. In order to do this we must let go of conscious thoughts, empty our mind and simply execute based on the situation before us. We rely on our prior training to defend ourselves. While engaging a calm state of mind.
As with all the precepts, this skill can be applied to many areas of our lives outside the Dojo.
CALAMITY SPRINGS FROM CARELESSNESS
Show caution. Accidents arise from negligence, so be diligent in all you do.
This basic lesson can be applied to almost anything we do – driving a car, working, preparing assignments for school or university, communicating with your loved ones – everything!
KARATE GOES BEYOND THE DOJO
What you do in the outside world affects your Karate practice and your growth/progress as a karateka. This includes do you talk to people in your life with respect, the effort you apply to your studies or work, and the kindness you show to others in your community. Something for every Karateka to think about and reflect on.
KARATE IS A LIFELONG PURSUIT
Most martial artists would have heard that a black belt is not the end of your martial arts journey. But it’s like getting your white belt all over again and this is when the real training begins. There is no ‘finish line’ and no limit. Regardless of your age it will take your whole life to learn Karate.
There is no limit to your ability to progress – Karateka endeavour to be better than they were yesterday, to strive for progress (not perfection) and do not compare themselves with others – No ones martial journey is the same, just like no Karateka is the same.
APPLY KARATE THE WAY TO EVERYTHING
The attributes you develop through regular Karate training can be applied in all areas of your life. Understanding that the mental/physical demands of traditional Karate training equip you to face obstacles in all areas of your life. Karate demands self-reflection and introspection, patience, adaptability, ‘grit’ and resilience.
By learning to empower a mind/body spirit we learn that they can face challenges, achieve goals and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. These qualities position us well for success in all aspects of our school, our work, our relationships with others and our daily lives.
KARATE IS LIKE BOILING WATER; WITHOUT HEAT, IT RETURNS TO ITS TEPID STATE
“Learning through practice is like pushing a cart up a hill: if you slack off, it will slip backwards” Japanese Proverb.
Consistency in everything you do matters. As in all things, Karate students make progress only if you commit to regular, consistent practice. If you put in the effort, you will improve and benefit your training in the long run.
DO NOT THINK OF IT AS WINNING. BUT RATHER NOT LOSING
“The everyday mentality of the practitioner of Karate-do should aspire to be outwardly gentle but inwardly strong” Genwa Nakasone
In Karate we should always aim to have a kind, respectful and peaceful demeanour on the outside and inwardly be aware that we are strong on the inside. If you only look at things like as only as winning/besting others. It can lead to unnecessary aggression and a lack of understanding or humility. Instead, our mind and body are flexible and should only be setting a boundary if and when we need to.
MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ACCORDING TO YOUR OPPONENT
Again, a karateka needs to learn how flexible and adaptable. By understanding and reading your opponents body language. Gives you the necessary skills to avoid your opponents’ strengths and identify/exploit their weaknesses. In Karate, as in life, there is no one right way.
THE OUTCOMES OF A BATTLE DEPENDS ON HOW YOU HANDLE EMPTINESS AND FULLNESS (karate beyond the dojo )
All Karate practitioners starts by learning the basic stances, strikes, blocks and katas. As we go through the ranks we then progress to learning how and when to use leverage power generation, when and how to use strength and how to apply all of this knowledge to execute a powerful technique. But also how to relax when doing other techniques like throwing a punch. The more tense you are will it can reduce the flow and therefore causing you to lose power in delivering a powerful punch.
Experienced Karateka understand their strengths and weaknesses and know how to exploit and adapt their techniques and position to their own advantage.
THINK OF YOUR OPPONENTS HANDS AND FEET AS WEAPONS
I remember come across this principle when I first began karate. Regardless if your opponent is trained or most cases not in a self-defence situation, should be considered dangerous. Regardless of the situation, we should face any potential threat with a serious and respectful response. Allowing that when our lives may be in danger, we give our self protection 100% of our attention.
WHEN YOU LEAVE HOME, YOU FACE A MILLION ENEMIES
When we leave our homes little things like negligence, distraction of mobile phones and lack of awareness can be our greatest enemy. Karateka learn to pay attention to their surroundings and trust their gut instincts.
There is no need to be overly suspicious or on high alert at all times but you should be aware and follow the colour codes of awareness. In order to help keep safe.
PERFORM KATA EXACTLY AS TAUGHT; SELF DEFENCE IS A DIFFERENT MATTER
Kata is a given/set example of attacks and responses. In kata we need to execute our techniques and movements to develop muscle memory and muscle control.
In actual self defence situations on the street, however, there is no pre-prescribed form. We can select from the many kata techniques, principles and patterns we have learned during training. Then adapting and applying this skills based on what’s happening in the given situation and environment we find ourselves in.
LEARN HOW TO CONTROL YOUR TECHNIQUES
One of the important parts of taking karate beyond the dojo. Is we learn the skill of withdrawal of power, the extension or contraction of the body, the swift or leisurely application of technique.
When practicing Kata in particular, Gichin Funakoshi suggests 3 main focus areas:
– application and withdrawal of strength
– application and withdrawal of speed
– expansion and contraction of your body
A great article to read on this application is ‘Karate Do Kyohan’ by Gichin Funakoshi which goes into more comprehensive detail.
BE CONSTANTLY MINDFUL, DILIGENT AND RESOURCEFUL IN YOUR PURSUIT OF THE WAY
This last principle is intended to encapsulate and summarise all the previous ones.
Always try your best. Think about your training and reflect on it. Consider how you can apply your martial arts skills across all areas of your day to day life.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON KARATE BEYOND THE DOJO
I strongly believe that by understanding these principles we are supposed to take the essence of martial arts from inside the dojo and share these qualities out in the real world. The practice of karate teaches us that we should strive to be the best version of ourselves. Stay vigilant and stay aware of our surroundings, not blindly stumbling into dangerous situations. Above all, we must keep an open mind and be adaptable in not only in our lives, but also with our techniques. All these principles can developed through diligent practice of karate.
After years of training karate to me encapsulate a holistic approach to martial arts training. It encompasses physical, mental, and also spiritual dimensions. Karate means Empty Hand, all practitioners embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Both internal and externally. This is taught through respect, discipline, focus, and continuous improvement. Karate offers not only a means of self-defense but also a path towards personal empowerment and fulfilment.