Why We Train: Karate

Why do we train and practice and drill in the Dojo?

The ultimate purpose of karate is to develop the better features of human character rather then merely to strengthen human beings against a physical enemies.

Karate training is different then any other form of training. It can be done anywhere, no special equipment necessary. In general karate training at different locations use the same over-all methods with some variations. In karate training respect is the most important rule that students must follow. Respect to the club, the instructors, fellow students and fellow man. Failing to show respect or showing false respect leads a student to ignore the teachings of his parents, instructors and elders. A karate student without respect is wasting their efforts. Karate, a Martial Art, requires respect for proper order. To attain understanding we must respect our place in the order of things.

Karate training must focus on the physical and mental (or spiritual) portions of our self. The physical aspects of training are rather apparent. The spiritual portions of training are not always obvious. Breathing is a major component of the spiritual component, breathing in the proper way calms our minds and opens our senses. Through training we gain calm and clarity that allow us to gain control of ourselves and ultimately our surroundings. This is why the master always appears to move so effortlessly in combat, the student struggles physically and mentally in combat struggling to ‘survive’. The master exerts little mental effort in combat leaving him able to observe the events instead of reacting to them.

We must never forget the importance of our physical training, for mind and body are one. There are many aspects of physical training, all of which are covered in this section; warm-up exercises, basic techniques, power training, two-man training, kata, sparring and training with equipment (bag, weights, etc.). Never neglect practicing the basic techniques for these are the building block from which all formal karate exercises are based.

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