Any single definition of karate would be enough to define what it really is, nowadays. Karate is in fact primarily versatile, in the sense that it has many facets, each of fundamental importance, each complementary to the other. Karate is at the same time sport, tradition, education, culture, evolution, research… a discipline in all respects, from all points of view. To give a simplified definition is therefore impossible: all aspects interpenetrate and complement a complex EFFECTIVE discipline and for this it touches all aspects of everyday life.
The practice of Karate is training:
– The body, learning how to move in all directions, to determining the use of force, to balance the contraction and relaxation of the body, alternating slow and fast movements.
– The mind, exercising your attention, concentration, amplifying the visual, knocking down limits and removing fears, right through the bringing of your own fears and limitations into play.
– The spirit, promoting qualities such as courage, courtesy, respect, humility, self-control, integrity.
Karate is a valuable tool for knowledge, for ourselves and for others. In the book Karate-do Kyohan is written: “Know your enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be in danger. When you do not know your enemy but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal. If you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you are certain that you will be in danger in every battle. To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. Subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.”
“The true karate-do is this: daily life in the body and mind must be trained and developed in a spirit of humility and at critical moments to be fully devoted to the cause of justice.” Justice and honesty to grow, towards ourselves, towards others and towards everything that surrounds us.
In conclusion with the words of Master G. Funakoshi:
Karate is love,
Love of Karate
For Ourelves
For Family
For Friends
For our Country