Various Karate Articles
by Owen Johnston
Budo Literally translated from Japanese, “Budo” is “The Way of Brave and Enlightened Activity”. Therefore, a “budoka” is not simply one who practices a traditional form of Japanese martial arts, but one who always seeks greater being and awareness for him or herself and others. Budo is heavily rooted in Zen Buddhism, and as such can be considered moving meditation. Budo can be the start of a new personal journey of continual improvement for yourself and all of your loved ones, regardless of your personal faith._________________________________________________________________Duty Duty comes first. This will be different for everyone: moral, civic, religious, or a combination. Personal goals can be good to have, although they may not always be ethical. Consider your duties first, and then your own personal goals, in light of what your ethics and obligations. Honor is found in upholding your duties in the most ethical fashion possible._________________________________________________________________Dojo Translated from Japanese, “dojo” means “training hall”, or, “The Place of The Way”. Therefore, “dojo” can apply to traditional budo training floors, or to the battleground of life itself. This means your training does not end when you leave the training floor. You must uphold honor at all times, all places, for not everyone else will. Expect the unexpected. These are the things you train to do. Research this continually._________________________________________________________________Confidence Confidence and ego are not necessarily the same, nor are they mutually exclusive. One must have confidence to work toward one’s dreams. However, one must not let accomplishment inflate the ego. The ego consumes entirely and clouds the mind. It drives one’s mind higher into the sky and farther from reality. Clouds and life have a tendency to rain. When this happens, your fire will be dampened, you will fall back to earth, and you will feel pain and remorse. Your clouded head will rain tears. However, rain and tears are part of a growing process. Yet, one must not allow oneself to drown in remorse. One must search for the truth of why one did not succeed, how one let oneself be so blind. That is the not-so-subtle difference between ego and confidence. Never forget this, or you will be reminded of it. Also, it is better to be reminded of it in the training hall than in life._________________________________________________________________DedicationDedication is need to walk the unending path to perfection. One must continually seek truth, in every thing. Narrow and hard is the way of truth, but great are the rewards at the end.My path is found on the battleground of life serving my Lord and Savior. I am far from perfection, but I believe He is leading me all the way. If Christ is not your Truth, I can not hold it against you. I am only another human being on the road of life. The most I can do is help others the best I know how. Consider all this carefully before making a decision. Remember caution in all decisions, for you will need dedication to see you through to the end of where they lead you. Never forget this, or you will be reminded of it. Also, better to be reminded of it in the training hall than the battleground of life.
About the Author
The author lives and teaches Wado ryu Karate in Lake City, South Carolina. He enjoys reading, writing, training, and spending time with his fiance. For more information about classes, please visit Johnston Wado ryu Karate. Visit their website at: http://www.johnstonkarate.net
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