"In our society today, it seems principles and honor are
things to be toyed with…right or wrong; emotions to be decided by the
individual on the basis of what benefit themselves. We, as Karate-ka, should strive to overcome these
weaknesses…only by putting principles and honor before the fear of death can we
truly live life. "
Glenn R. Keeney
"A true karate-man is one with the God-like capacity to think
and feel for others, irrespective of their rank or position, one who possesses
ideals so lofty, a mind so delicate that it lifts him above all things ignoble
and base, yet strengthens his hands to raise those who have fallen- no matter
how low. The ultimate aim of karate, therefore, lies not in victory
or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants. "
Gichin Funakoshi
1869-1957
As I read these words, and the words of other karate-ka,
such as, Miyagi Sensei, Mabuni Sensei, Nagamine Sensei, Higashionna Sensei, etc...
I find that while even though most of them are known for their technical
abilities or their martial prowess, they were all concerned with the development
of their character more than anything else.
In today's society the virtues of honor and moral principles
seem to have taken a backseat to a rude world. Today it is deemed acceptable
for people to curse in public and just go on the verbal assault for even minor
little incidents; people just seem to have lost control of their emotions and
value systems.
It is my belief that as karate-ka, we should not act this
way, we should adhere to our principles and honor, and we should act
accordingly. Now I am here to tell you that I have made mistakes and am by no
means a perfect person, but I try. I try to live a good and honest life; I try
to maintain an honorable life style, one that would make my parents and grandparents
proud.
My wife has a saying that she tells our children all of the
time, "If you wouldn't do it in front of your mother, then you probably
shouldn't do it". I think this is great, think back how many things have
you done that you would have been ashamed to do in front of your mother?
Back in 1990, Mr. Glenn Keeney gave me an award called the
small double axe award, at the time I really didn't know what it meant, or
really what it was, I just knew that not very many people had it in our dojo
and even fewer still could award it to someone. I went on to be given the award
two more times, by my father and by the awards founder, Mr. Phillip Koeppel.
(You can find out more about it here)
The award is based off of Buddha’s "Four Noble Truths" and
"Eight Fold Path".
The Eight Fold
Path
The Eightfold Path, like the Ten Commandments, is a code to
live by; but unlike the Commandments, which are held to be equally true and
binding for all men at all times, the Path is a set of rules to be followed in
ascending order; until the first step has been mastered, one cannot expect to
succeed in later steps.
1. The first step in the Eightfold Path is Right
Understanding. Man must know what he is about if he is to win salvation; he
must know the Four Noble Truths.
2. The second step is Right Purpose: he must aspire to reach
salvation.
3. The third is Right Speech: he must not lie and must not
commit slander, for both arise out of the will to perpetuate individuality, and
thereby shut the aspirant off from salvation.
4. The fourth is Right Behavior, toward which the Buddha
offers five precepts: Do not kill; do not steal; do not lie; do not unchaste;
do not drink intoxicants.
5. The fifth is Right Means of Livelihood: one must be
engaged in an occupation conducive to salvation - preferably the monastic life.
6. The sixth is Right Effort: one must exercise will power
if he would succeed.
7. The seventh is Right Awareness: one must constantly
examine one's behavior and, like a patient in psychoanalysis, trace it to the
cause, trying to understand and remove the cause of misdeeds.
8. The eighth and final step on the Path is Right
Meditation: one must ponder often and deeply on ultimate truth if one is to
find salvation.
Now understand that religion aside, this is a map for being
a good person, I think that if you heed these words and also study the Dojo
Kun, it will go a long way towards behaving correctly.
Also don’t get me wrong, I still train my body and practice
techniques, kata, bunkai, two person drills, all in an effort to become more
proficient if or when I need them, but I also believe that it is equally important
to train your mind, as well as, your body, and that you should behave properly
and with honor.
