“The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants.” - Gichin Funakoshi
The above quote, from the founder of Shotokan Karate, is one that will not easily be dismissed from mind after my second expedition to this remarkable country.
In November of last year, I undertook to travel to Japan for the first time in my 27 years of practicing Karate. It was an unforgettable experience to be afforded an opportunity to train and grade with the masters of our beloved art.
As one can imagine, when I realised there was a chance to return to majestic Japan and compete against the best in the world, there was no deliberation, I needed to go.
As per my first trip, Japan greeted me with the warmth and congeniality that I have come to know of the Japanese people.
Our instruction commenced soon after our arrival. The training was extremely challenging and physically demanding on the body. The heat in Japan at the time was an average of 42 degrees Celsius and the humidity was almost unbearable, making the classes even harder.
However, it was during these strenuous sessions, when physical stamina was at its lowest, that I noticed something of real interest in the art of the Japanese way of training. It matters not how hard the training becomes, or how physically fatigued the Karateka feels, the Japanese do not allow a sacrifice in speed, power or form whatsoever.
Mentally, they shape their minds to push their bodies beyond any acceptable limit. A large amount of emphasis is placed on mental acuity, focus and discipline. It is with this mental resolve coupled with physical strength that they have become so adept at training with such consistency. When a Japanese Karateka performs a technique, it is done so with maximum dedication, precision and control.
They are an impressive nation that takes pride in all of their undertakings. This was easily observed by the exceptional organisation of the competition as well as the immaculate condition of the tournament venue.
The tournament began without a hitch and with precise punctuality, displaying another common trait of the Japanese, that being their utmost respect and consideration for people and their time. All the contestants were well informed regarding details of the competition agenda.
The South African Team was in high spirits, clearly demonstrated by their chanting of motivational cries and camaraderie. It fills me with pride to freely announce without a doubt, that the South African team had the finest spirit on the day of the competition.
To be afforded the freedom to watch the Japanese compete against each other and the rest of the world was like watching poetry in motion. They are true masters of the art and are absolutely fearless when they compete in Kumite. This was easily noticeable by the intensity, aggression and control with which the Junior black belts fight their Seniors.
However, there is a further skill that the Japanese have mastered, which makes them even more formidable. They are able to analyse and assess their opponents and his/her weaknesses very quickly and capitalise on those weaknesses during Kumite.
When performing Kata, the Japanese are precise in their technique. Each movement is performed with maximum power, speed and accuracy without any break in form.
The principles understood and taught by the Japanese to their students is absolutely invaluable to the furtherance of a Karateka’s pursuance of Karate mastery.
One Japanese contestant mentioned the following to me, which I will never forget. He said “Karateka never lose, sometimes they win, and other times they learn.”
If we wish to raise the standard of our own Karate, much wisdom and knowledge can be attained by the observation of the humble, yet fierce Japanese.
To the Japanese, Karate is not a sport or a way to exercise, it is a way of life. The principles of Karate extend into their everyday lives. Their humility, respect and friendliness serve to demonstrate their complete understanding of the art and its true essence. They do not practice Karate, they live it.
I leave you with the quote below, as I believe it clearly demonstrates the meaning of the above.
“Karate may be considered as the conflict within oneself or as a life-long marathon which can be won only through self-discipline, hard training and one's own creative efforts.” – Shoshin Nagamine
- GARY FORSTER
