KARATEKA TRAITS FOR SUCCESS

Every time I would ask a new student or his parent why they chose to enroll in Karate, the answers are almost always self-defense and discipline.

Those were also my reasons when I was a Beginner. By the time I was in Intermediate level I was starting to understand the principles of Karate-do. Through years of training these principles are to aid in developing our character along with techniques and skills. Training enables us to live and experience these principles in the Dojo which results in deeper and better understanding. Years of Karate-do training instills in us character traits such as Humility. By being humble means we respect others; we have compassion; we are able to keep an open mind and keep learning new things, even from our failures and mistakes. As we persevere in training; we are motivated to improve our technique and to accomplish the goal that we set for ourselves. So we give our very best inside the Dojo; we learn to Endeavour, we develop an excellent work ethic. Master Gichin Funakoshi said that a person who has truly learned Karate can overcome difficulties or challenges.

Those who train and participate in Jiyu Kumite or free style sparring and fight hard each time should be able to develop a High tolerance for risks. In free style sparring, you see an opportunity and once you attack you are vulnerable and in risk of getting hit; when you create an opportunity and posture to defend, there is a big chance you get hit first. It’s not just about the points, because even if Kumite is a very controlled environment, you know that there is still a good chance of you getting hurt. It is in the rhythm of fighting that we are able to take calculated risks.  Also, in combat, be it in sparring or self-defense there is no room for hesitation because the essence of combat is life and death. Training in Karate develops Decisiveness.

There is a saying “move when your opponent moves”. Karate training enhances our awareness. Our awareness will enable us to adapt to our opponent or to the situation. Thus a Karateka is Flexible. Also our heightened awareness will open our minds to be Creative. Karate is an art and just as any other art it is a form of expression. However, most Karatekas could only be creative and fully express themselves in free style sparring; within the limits of the rules. We have to realize that Karate is very strict and rigid because it is necessary in building strong foundations. However, we can see the progression from Kihon and Kata to Kumite wherein the strict and rigid becomes loose and flowing; so the Form becomes formless. I have observed Kata players from one of the country’s biggest Karate organization and each player from age group to the seniors performs almost exactly the same. You can hardly tell any difference. Same timing, same accents and even the bad habits are the same. Learn the standard way of performing the Kata; follow your Sensei’s instructions because that will be your basis and foundation. After gaining knowledge and insights you can perform the Kata in your own way. Just as two singers singing the same song but each gave their own rendition. During Kyu and Dan exams we have to do the standards but during tournaments or when asked to perform in demonstrations you can do your own rendition of the Kata. You can also express your creativity by making your own Bunkai. Senseis are very creative in keeping the class always exciting and interesting. Those who have reached a high level of expertise can make their own Kata. Yes that’s what I said; I know it sounds crazy but as a Martial artist we should be capable of creating our own Kata. I haven’t made one just yet but I am

planning to. It does not matter if it will become popular, it’s yours and I will be honored if someone

will teach or share his own original Kata to me, just like musicians jamming and learning another’s original composition. These traits developed through Karate are the same as those who have Entrepreneurial Spirit; and just as a Karateka, Entrepreneurs honed their traits and skills.

With God you have the advantage.