1. The ideal of karate is “to cultivate noble character and conduct, and the virtues of modesty and courtesy.”
2. “No forestalling in karate.” Karate is the military art for self-defense to protect and preserve your life, and never to attack others on your own initiative.
3. “Perseverance is the root of all conduct.” True patience lies in bearing what is unbearable!
4. Put back your hands when you are full of fight and retract your fight when your hands itch to deal a blow.
5. "Softness is unity.” “Strength is unity.” The ultimate object of human beings should be coexistence and co-prosperity in “peace”.
6. Avoid fights and quarrels even when dared.
What is Karate?
"Karate ni sente nashi"; there is no first strike in karate. Karate translates to empty hand, and is an unarmed method of self defense that originates in Okinawa. In Karate we learn Kata which are forms that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Within the Kata we learn how to move our body with the Hara (center) and apply punches, kicks, blocks, strikes, wrist locks, choke holds, and throws.
Karate is strictly a self defense art. Gichin Funakoshi said something like "In the right mind set Karate is a a noble beautiful art, but when misused there is no more dangerous and ugly art then Karate". A true Karate-Ka should only fight when that is the last option. A sword should never be recklessly drawn. In Karate we don't think of winning rather we think of not losing. In feudal Okinawa Karate-Ka had to defend themselves unarmed against Satsuma clan Samurai. If they lost they would die. So refer to the 2nd point in the Morality of Karate, and Karate will always stand on the side of justice when used correctly.
Karate being one of the most unique and beautiful Martial Arts in the world was born on the Island of Okinawa. Because of the calm and modest nature of its people the Chinese have been known to call Okinawa the land of politeness.
As the world accepts humility and courtesy as a virtue, in as much as they accept the fact that art and knowledge bring prosperity and honor, it is the greatest honor for the Okinawan people that karate is learned and understood throughout the world. Karate was originally born in Okinawa, and spread around the world......