Contents
- 1
The spirit of Kyokushin Karate is to fight with oneself, not against others.
Since ancient times, it has been said that karate requires three years of study.
Three years to maintain the method.
And three years to improve it.
Making the body a powerful weapon is the most important foundation of karate.
Correcting and refining this foundation requires intensive training, and each step toward understanding the inner essence of karate.
Success depends on the goals and the diligence to achieve them.
A THOUSAND DAYS OF TRAINING, A BEGINNER; TEN THOUSAND DAYS OF TRAINING, A MASTER.
One of the most pragmatic ways to compare yourself to others and improve your own technique is to participate in tournaments. There, you can compete against yourself and clearly see if your training has been effective.
In modern karate competitions, competitors are not allowed to strike each other for fear of causing serious injury. I believe this type of confrontation is quite far removed from the true essence of karate. Combatants should be allowed to make contact. This allows them to test their mettle, and the judges and the audience can clearly see how the fight unfolds.
Karate should never be taught or presented as a vehicle for public entertainment. However, if it is done cleanly and according to the rules of competition, interested spectators will be able to watch karate competitions. This will serve as an excellent way to promote and expand public interest in karate, particularly among the general public.
The DOGI is the training uniform (Karategi). It’s like a warrior’s battle armor. Anyone who practices Karate must treat their training uniform with respect and care, always keeping it in good condition.
It’s very important for a Karateka to value their uniform, as it’s a garment of funerary attire with which warriors face their destiny (a white kimono is used for the Seppuku ritual). «Respect your clothing and don’t neglect it.»
A famous Judo master said that he greatly valued all his Dogi, but especially those with a history of many fights.
A person truly committed to Karate must take care of their Dogi and keep it clean.
REPAIRING A TORN SUIT IS NOT UNFORTUNATE, BUT WEARING A TORN SUIT IS.
