Karate is not about winning, it's about "not losing." You see, wanting to win will lead to pride and pride comes before the fall. When a bully calls you a name, your pride might want you to teach him/her a lesson, thus leading to a fight. This, however, is not the Karate way. If you decide to swallow your pride (and not care about the opinion of some creep), then you will let go of your anger and not fight. The karateka should never fight. Fighting has to do with pride, with wanting to win. Fighting is when two or more people decide to engage in hurting each other. Wishing to "not lose" will allow you to walk away when provoked. I will never lose a fight I don't enter. Don't get me wrong, there is a time to use the knowledge and skills we learn in Karate, but not in a fight. We use our Karate in defense, to protect. Self-defense is not fighting. Self-defense and protecting others is the Karate way. Humility is the opposite of pride, and it will allow us to avoid most confrontations. Be humble, don't think of yourself as better than anyone else. Give respect to all, even if they aren't earning it. A soft word often turns away wrath. Be humble and train hard, it's the Karate Way.
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AuthorInstructor Hank of Dragonfly Karate & Kobudo ArchivesCategories |