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| Specialist, Academic, Intellectual |
Yesterday I started reading Funakoshi Gichin's The Essence of Karate, which not only started to be an interesting read, but also eye opening in terms of my own training.
Funakoshi in this book mentions the contrast between his two teachers's principles: Master Itosu, who said that someone hitting you should be "taken in stride and forgiven" if it causes you no harm, whereas Master Azato said that "if you provide someone with an opening strike, you should assume the worst". Funakoshi emphasizes Itosu's tolerance and confidence, and Azato's persistent awareness.
The difference in attitude and approach suggests that we as scholars should not be rigid in our training and study, but seek our own perspectives through learning extensively and diversely. Karate scholar Jesse Enkamp suggests Ri (going beyond what you are taught), to gain the perspectives of others and study our own training, in order to perfect our own individual Karate.
That being said, that does not mean that you should be unfaithful to your Sensei. Whoever He/She may be, they have gotten you thus far, and will continue to help you with your study. Therefore you should show them respect and train for them regularly. My Sensei, Cyril Cummins often tells us a fable of the student who asks the master how he should improve his Karate. The Master replied "go and find the way."
Funakoshi also mentions the instruction Master Azato received in horse riding, wooden swords and archery, which he incorporated into his training. Funakoshi states that Azato never tired of his studies. This attitude is what made him a master: the fact he was always willing to learn and improve.
It is easy to turn up to training, do some Kihon, Kata and Kumite and leave content thinking that you trained hard, oblivious to the fact you haven't thought about how it works or how you are/should be doing it.
What is important I find important is looking into your own training critically, as well as other people's methods. Think, question, re-evaluate your techniques and discuss your findings with like minded Karate-Ka. You may not agree with their way entirely, but being aware of it will only better your opinion.Then, not only will you think independently, but also study and perfect your own techniques.
Karate is both a spiritual and physical martial art and therefore in my opinion should be treated as such. Therefore as well as mind and body strengthening hard sessions in the Dojo, you need to think about and look into your own martial art, move for move, technique for technique.
Then, and only then, you will be a scholar and "find the way"
The difference in attitude and approach suggests that we as scholars should not be rigid in our training and study, but seek our own perspectives through learning extensively and diversely. Karate scholar Jesse Enkamp suggests Ri (going beyond what you are taught), to gain the perspectives of others and study our own training, in order to perfect our own individual Karate.
That being said, that does not mean that you should be unfaithful to your Sensei. Whoever He/She may be, they have gotten you thus far, and will continue to help you with your study. Therefore you should show them respect and train for them regularly. My Sensei, Cyril Cummins often tells us a fable of the student who asks the master how he should improve his Karate. The Master replied "go and find the way."
Funakoshi also mentions the instruction Master Azato received in horse riding, wooden swords and archery, which he incorporated into his training. Funakoshi states that Azato never tired of his studies. This attitude is what made him a master: the fact he was always willing to learn and improve.
It is easy to turn up to training, do some Kihon, Kata and Kumite and leave content thinking that you trained hard, oblivious to the fact you haven't thought about how it works or how you are/should be doing it.
What is important I find important is looking into your own training critically, as well as other people's methods. Think, question, re-evaluate your techniques and discuss your findings with like minded Karate-Ka. You may not agree with their way entirely, but being aware of it will only better your opinion.Then, not only will you think independently, but also study and perfect your own techniques.
Karate is both a spiritual and physical martial art and therefore in my opinion should be treated as such. Therefore as well as mind and body strengthening hard sessions in the Dojo, you need to think about and look into your own martial art, move for move, technique for technique.
Then, and only then, you will be a scholar and "find the way"
Just like the Master himself:
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| O-Sensei Funakoshi in 1957 pictured with an open book. Even into his later life he was still reading, studying, learning. What are your thoughts? Leave your comments below. |
