Keeping with Tradition

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An increasing number of karate organizations have established weight classes and a point system for tournaments, giving karate a sport-like status. In fact, more and more, the art of karate is being made into a popular competitive sport. 

At the JKA, we’re not opposed to this trend, but we are concerned by what it presages for the future of karate. We believe that “sportifying” karate is incompatible with its true spirit; it keeps the form to an extent, but discards the essence. True karate is a way of life, not a sport or competition.

The purpose of a competition (kyogi) is to win. So there are weight classifications to make it more “fair,” and a rule-based point system for keeping score. The problem is that those rules are often arbitrarily changed.

But not at the JKA. Our tournaments are all shiai (“matches”). The goal is not to win, but to pit one’s skills against another’s, thereby testing one’s progress and techniques. JKA karate ultimately attempts to defeat the opponent with one blow. Either you down the opponent or the opponent downs you; there are no points to be gained along the way. Each match has a clear “winner,” but winning itself is not the final objective. The only goal is to apply one’s finest skills to the best of one’s ability.

This is our way.

So what is the future of JKA karate? The same tradition we have maintained for over half a century. The JKA has never changed its fundamentals or rules. The inseparable trinity: kihon, kata and kumite, leading to kime, remain essentially unchanged, although constantly refined. JKA karate is completely natural, not arbitrarily crafted for use in a point-based match.

As the Keeper of Karate’s Highest Tradition, we will continue to pass on the full power and the full depth of the spiritual dimensions that underlie our art. Our tournaments shall remain as shiai, opportunities for each individual karate-ka to test his or her progress. And we will continue with our mission to ensure that the true essence of karate-do is understood and practiced throughout the world.

 

Bushido: “The Way of the Samurai”  has been the samurai code of conduct in Japan for centuries. Based firmly on the teachings of Zen, Bushido was intended to help the samurai master their nature and understand their minds and the universe through direct experience—as well as through fostering strength, self-control and wisdom.

Bushido is based on seven essential principles:

• seigi : The right decision and rectitude

• yuki : Bravery and heroism

• jin: Compassion and benevolence to all

• reigi : Courtesy and right action

• makoto: Truthfulness and utter sincerity

• meiyo: Honor and glory

• chugi: Devotion and loyalty

Martial spirit and courage were, of course, essential aspects of Bushido. But for the samurai, Bushido’s highest goal was complete virtue in thought and action. Each samurai followed a carefully designed regimen of polite ceremony and etiquette intended to promote such virtue. With its emphasis on prescribed form, Bushido helped the samurai harmonize mind with body, enabling them to maintain a certain calmness, or heijoshin (literally, “ordinary everyday mind”), even in the face of hardship. Sincerity, kindness, honesty, filial piety and honor all formed part of the core of Bushido. And they were the seed from which the karate tradition grew. These attributes, and the wisdom, understanding and peaceful strength they promote, are some of karate’s greatest benefits. They are also among Japan’s greatest gifts to the world.