The Perfection of Character

"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.