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PHILOSOPHIES ON KUSHIDO AND BUDO
By Kancho Hugh St. John Thomson
The spirit of Budo lies much in the essence of the Kanji makeup - the DO
means "the way" which is of course the understanding attained at that
moment when one is about to be executed by having one's neck severed by a sword.
Naturally, this actually means the understanding attained by either constant
endeavour of living or attained under enormous pressure or stress in a moment.
BU- is made up also of the elements (a) "the sword" and (b)
"never to be used".Thus BUDO can best be described as the way of
living in which the sword is never to be used. This is in itself a radical
thought for most people and must be complicated in that it is the Spiritual
concept. The actual techniques are, one could say, for the development of the
self, to the stage where the spiritual concept and the physical concept become
one and thus the original concept of Budo then becomes a living reality.
Similarly, the concept of Kushido in its founding forms was taught as the way of
blocking/deflecting and counter attack, but never attack - thus the best form of
self-defence. Further, the early teachings of karate were such that it was
taught never to use the techniques in anger, and was allied totally to the
concept of BUDO - to draw the sword was not good, to draw it in anger was beyond
all forgiveness and depicted weakness in the person drawing the sword. It can
therefore clearly be seen that from the earliest times karate has been for the
development of the inner man (self) to overcome those elements inside or within
one's own makeup which are a weakness, e.g. anger, spitefulness, viciousness,
etc. From this concept it can then clearly be seen why the early schools and
even certain existing schools resisted the idea of contesting against others,
for this then produced the atmosphere and the actuality, directly contrasting to
their concept of training and practice. It is therefore interesting and
important to apply this to today's standards and discover that the same
principle still applies to contest. As against person to person, this produces
the very attitudes within one's essential make-up which Karate is attempting to
remove. It is important then to keep in the foreground of consciousness the
principle of Kushido, which depicts one's only enemy as oneself. A very well
known concept, in any event, but seldom applied. This old trend has, however,
been lost to a large degree amongst most modern schools of Karate as the idea of
using Karate as a sport has caught on and those of shallow understanding have
swung the balance around. We find this very prevalent in the concept of Kata.
Again in Kata we find that there are two main streams of thought which have
developed, based on two methods of writing Kata in Kanji. The first concept is
that Kata means form - as the external shape of a mould, pre-set and
predetermined with no allowable deviations. This concept stems from the idea
that Kata are pre-arranged sequences and the idea then produces a dance-Iike (in
appearance) form. The second appreciation of Kata is the meaning of internal
form, which, whilst appreciating the need, never to forget the external shape
which as a prearranged practice remain valid and very important, allows for the
inner expression of the individual practitioner to mature and grow in the manner
of expression. This causes much confusion as it appears a paradox but, in fact
is the only way to realise the full potential of the individual and start making
its appearance in the eyes of the masters, about Yondan and higher. It cannot be
forced or short circuited, ever. Like good red wine it is a slow but definite
evolution requiring time, patience and meticulous care. It is often said that
Kata is the soul of the system. Only by repeated and repeated practice can these
aspects be appreciated. If for any reason they are not appreciated, the reason
lies in the lack of practice and dedication of the individual.
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PURPOSE OF MARTIAL ARTS & ASPECTS OF
KUSHIDO
Established in 1963 as Karate-Do. KUSHIDO is today one of
the few systems of Martial Arts which still adheres to the original principles
of true Budo; that of character development and the overcoming of adversity. It
is a balanced art and develops both the 'kill' and the 'cure' aspects. Self
defence concepts are much deeper than at first perceived and are not only
confined to self-protection against single or multiple armed and unarmed
assailants, but encompass both mental and philosophical approaches. No physical
technique is completely effective without the balance of the other. The physical
aspects are paramount in the beginning, taking on a lesser role as one
progresses through the art, giving way to a balance of mental and physical.
KUSHIDO practice encompasses basics (standing and moving), applied techniques
(basic, free sparring and grappling), Kata (formal exercise) and their
applications both basic and hidden, weaponry (Okinawan traditional weapons),
complimentary healing disciplines, philosophical facets and T'ai Chi Chuan. The
constant refinement of these leads to a whole being and takes dedicated
commitment, and invariably a good deal of time.
Karate-Do is the ideal physical activity, systematically
developing your potential to the fullest. It combines physical education with
the mental training, contributing to a balanced, well-adjusted personality.
SELF DEFENCE
This aspect of Martial Arts is probably uppermost in
people's minds - Rightly so. In our violent and turbulent times, a knowledge of
physical self-defence is becoming a necessity. KUSHIDO will teach you methods of
self protection that could save your life. With this learning comes a sense of
personal security and confidence, allowing you to feel more free and relaxed
with yourself – this in itself is a powerful defence technique as `the victim`
mentality is overridden. All our classes in the Dojo are geared towards this
physical aspect of training.
HEALTH BENEFITS
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
In practicing KUSHIDO you will experience the full natural
range of possible body movements, resulting in a high level of flexibility and
agility. The only restrictions are those placed by yourself. Emphasis is placed
on correct breathing and posture, essential for general well being. Coordination
and balance are developed in a systematic way as you progress in your training,
leading to greater physical dexterity. Age and build are not inhibiting factors
in the development. As a child learns to walk, so you will be taken through the
step-by-step learning process. Techniques are done by using the whole body:
hands, elbows, knees and feet standing up and during grappling.
EMOTIONAL GROWTH
This can be both subtle and powerful! Training will be
both physically and emotionally demanding. Times when you are taken to the limit
of your physical capabilities and endurance will become the test of character
for which the Martial Arts can be infamous! When you are repeatedly taken to
your limits, then your limits will change, as you let them. It is always very
easy to stop training because you have had enough, or it is getting too
difficult (or any other excuses), but when you feel that urge and instead of
giving into it you just keep trying a little more, then boundaries break down,
self-esteem grows, and the desire to keep pushing a little further becomes ever
more apparent.
When you have stood your ground in the dojo against bigger
faster opponents, not given up on `impossible` techniques or concepts, not
allowed fear, lethargy, or lack of understanding to stop you in your tracks.
Even when you have been repeatedly knocked down to find the strength and depth
of character to get up again one more time, then you are practicing Budo. This
is the slow sure development of the `indomitable spirit` of a classic martial
artist – a quiet self assurance, an inner confidence that will help build
strong, stable characters.
MENTAL EXPANSION
At first these are not obvious, but through constant
training, KUSHIDO will help you develop your concentration, perseverance and
self-discipline, enabling you to cope better in today's world. You will realize
your own self worth and this will reflect in your day-to-day activity and
inter-relationships. Correct posture, breathing, and state of mind under
pressure lead to the meditative state of mind which allows quiet focussed
relaxed concentration.
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
Perhaps the Ultimate aim…but very much according to the
individual.
KUSHIDO AS A SPORT
KUSHIDO's unique contest rules ensure that there are no
winners or losers - each student is judged individually on his or her own
progress, resulting in a competition against him/herself only. In the true sense
of the word, KUSHIDO is not a sport - it is a way of life involved with
individual progress and development of potential, rather than concentrating on
defeating an opponent.
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