When considering the development of ancient fighting methods (when warriors fought bare-handed or only with light weapons such as swords, spears, etc.), it is interesting to note that western fighting techniques (sword fighting, jousting, etc) have been forgotten. However, eastern methods have prospered, becoming a systematic educational practice and part of a deep-rooted culture (Wushu in China & Budo in Japan). The education of the Way (Do), where one learns to face life, helps the practitioner in their everyday struggle, proving increasingly appealing to many worldwide.

 

Throughout the years, fighting techniques have evolved into various styles embracing different philosophies, historical periods, and cultures. In times of war, martial arts masters focused on the technical, practical, and physical aspects, while in times of peace, philosophical-spiritual aspects became of greater importance. Techniques and training were aimed more toward everyday uses and less toward combat applications against a physical enemy.

 

For example, a confrontation with the boss over wages and terms of work. In the eyes of a traditional martial arts master, this situation is interpreted, strategically speaking, as a face-to-face fight against a real opponent in a physical confrontation. There is no difference between managing a physical fight and an acute debate, as in the above example, between an employer and an employee. The same attitude and the same strategy apply. Whereas the physical fight exchanges strikes, kicks, throwing techniques, and other combat tactics, the fight with the boss at work is conducted through mental combat - the management of the debate, the manipulation of an opponent into an inferior psychological position, the avoidance of questions or answers, the spreading of traps, and thinking one step ahead of your opponent. From this example, we can understand the importance of mental preparation accompanying physical and technical skills. Karate-Do training intends to strengthen body, mind and spirit. The delicate balance between body and soul is emphasised from the beginning of the karateka's (karate man) initiation. Karate-Do practices (as well as other fighting ways) are prolonged training sessions, which include the search for perfection and absolute understanding. The learning and training towards perfection and searching for insight are a lifetime process.

 

As opposed to sport disciplines, martial artists can be active and continue their development regardless of age.

 

Karate Do International works and educates through continuous development and deep and devoted study, which helps the practitioner achieve a high level of physical ability, physical and mental focus, concentration, strength, and control over body and mind. It is also an effective form of self-defence and systematically trains the body to become an effective and powerful weapon. The professional training program improves the human body and its functioning. It concentrates on developing an ideal cohesion of our physical and spiritual energy. The practitioner reaches high levels of self-control over his body and spirit and excels in self-realisation, high moral conduct, and strategic competency. The karateka's daily practice aims to confront him with new, adverse physical and emotional experiences. These experiences are provided to strengthen both body and mind with the ultimate intention of helping to shape the individual's character.

 

Karate-Do is a fighting art that does not seek victory but strives to shape the character through directed training procedures (Gichin Funakoshi). The difference in approach between sports and martial arts can be seen immediately. Sport disciplines are characterised by a system in which the practitioner has to defeat their opponent within the limits of the rules.

 

The main aim of martial arts is for each and every person to be confronted by themselves; the physical activity and techniques are merely the tools and means by which it may be achieved. The true aim is to strive for character development, self-improvement and realisation of our limitations through eternal practice and study. In other words, martial arts practice is a physical and spiritual activity suited for everyone regardless of religion, colour, sex or age.

 

To conclude, Karate-Do specifically, and martial arts in general, are recommended activities for all ages and sexes within the boundaries of authorised schools. Only professionally educated, authorised teachers and instructors deserve to train students. Traditional martial arts help students pursue personal development rather than competitive notoriety. It aims to help an individual operate at their best in all facets of life, physically, mentally and spiritually. During these days of domestic and foreign dangers (assaults, mental and physical stress), these issues retain their validity.