|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Karate – do is a martial art originated in Okinawa, modified and
transformed in a way of life by Master Gichin Funakoshi. Until
before these modifications, it was just a group of techniques
that permitted self-defense without weapons other than your
hands and feet. Though there was some Chinese influence, the
development was mostly Okinawan , and thus Japanese Master
Funokashi , influenced by traditional martial arts from the main
Japanese islands, kyudo, kendo, judo for example, he modified
Karate, that until that moment could have been called Karate-
jutsu , a fighting art and emphasized the philosophical
aspects,this way all that was learnt could be extrapolated to
the daily life of the student. This is why karate is a way of
life : Karate-do (do means way or road ). |
|
Gichin Funakoshi,
thus, combined the karate techniques with the traditional
budo(the martial way), inserting the essence of Budo in the
heart of Karate – the real way of martial arts. The Budo word is
formed by two Chinese characters, bu is formed by two symbols,
one means to stop inside another that represents two weapons,
two crossed halberds, this bu means to stop conflict. In master
Funakoshi’s own words: “since karate is a budo , this meaning
should be deeply considered, and the fists should not be used
heedlessly “. Shotokai Chile, has modified its name from karate
– do to karate Budo, to emphasize its difference from so many
other karate - do’s that have very little of the original
foundations, sort of what Master Funakoshi did when he modified
the KARA character and added the ‘do’. The word Karate was
formed by two characters, the first one ‘kara’ (empty) and the
other te(hand), the first one having many sides to it . |
|
The first one is the least subtle and the most straightforward, through
the practice of karate, self defence techniques are learnt where
no weapons are needed other than hands, feet or other part of
the body . Secondly, and in other words of Master Funakoshi:
“Just as it is the clear mirror that reflects without distortion
, or the quiet valley that echoes a sound, so must one h would
study Karate – do purge himself of selfish and evil thoughts,
for only with a clear mind and conscience can he /she understand
that which he/she receives. This another meaning of the element
kara in karate-do”. Another meaning given by the Master is that
of always striving to be inwardly humble and outwardly gentle,
thus meaning a internal emptiness of egoism and acting gently
and moderately. |
|
Finally
he talks about the elemental from the Universe, which is
emptiness(kara), “and thus , emptiness is from itself. The
‘kara’ of karate-do has this meaning. “ After what has been
said, it is clear that Karate do and Karate Budo are much, much
more that mere self defence techniques, actually such a
definition is far short from the real essence of Karate as a
philosophy, which strives to develop the inner qualities of a
human being and the search of perfection of your character,
though strenuous training in the do and budo martial arts. |
|
Meaning of KyoKushin Kai:
Kyoku: The
Far East
Asia
Shin: The Truth from Within or Reality
Kai: Club or Organization or Meet and Join
|
|
|
|
|
|
