FOUNDATIONS OF MARTIAL ARTS
Principles, Maxims, and Virtues
SIX PRINCIPLES OF KATA: (KATA NO ROKUGENZOKU)
1. IKITA KATA
Kata must be alive and done with feeling and purpose.
2. INEN
Kata must be performed with spirit.
3. CHIKARA NO KYOJAKU
Kata should be done with changes in application of power. Technique can be strong or yielding, hard then soft.
4. WAZA NO KANKYU
Kata should be done with variations in the timing of movement, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.
5. KISOKU NO DONTO
Kata must be done with proper rhythm of breathing, when to inhale, when to exhale.
6. BALANCE
Proper balance must be maintained in the performance of the kata.
PRINCIPLES OF KUMITE: (KUMITE NO GOGENZOKU)
1. KIWA HAYAKU
Attack your opponent with a strong spirit, do not think about defense, only attack.
2. KOKORO WA SHIZUKA
Always maintain a calm mind and spirit.
3. MIWA KARUKU
Your movement and technique must be polished and smooth.
4. MEWA AKIRAKANI
When you look at your opponent, see all of them. Do not fix your gaze on only one spot
5. WAZA WA HAGESHIKU
Your technique must be sharp
THE SEVEN VIRTUES OF BUSHIDO
1. GI: Righteousness and Rectitude
Moral conduct is the foundation of conduct. This includes right action, honesty, with a strong belief in justice for all people. All points of view are deeply considered.
2. REI: Respect
Warriors are eminently courteous, even towards their enemies. Respect of the samurai is an attitude of honour and admiration with no need to prove their power. The true strength of a warrior becomes apparent during difficult times.
3. YU: Heroic Courage
Courage is not blind, it is intelligent and strong. While always remaining cautious and on point, the warrior is not easily intimidated.
4. MEIYO: Honor
The samurai moves with honor and grace. Decisions are carried out with accountability. The warriors have only one judge: themselves. In the way of the samurai, you cannot hide from your own actions.
5. JIN: Compassion
Through intense training the warrior becomes quick and strong, but this power must be used for good. Helping the fellow man and practicing compassion is a virtue. If an opportunity does not arise, they go out of their way to find a way to make positive impact.
6. MAKOTO: Honesty and Sincerity
In the way of the warrior, speaking and doing are the same action. Nothing will stop the warrior from sticking to their word while taking action from a place of sincere truth.
7. CHU: Duty and Loyalty
The warrior practices unconditional loyalty and trust towards others. This unwavering conduct of faith is a core belief in ethics of merit, loyalty, and fidelity towards fellow beings.
SAMURAI MAXIMS
These are historical Samurai maxims, any one of these could be enough to cost a Samurai a contest or his life. They also apply to all martial arts as well as Karate
Kikoji
Being afraid, before fighting because of your enemy’s reputation.
Mikuzure
Being afraid because the enemy looks very fierce and strong.
Futanren
Inadequate training.
Bushido is the way of warrior, the codex of Samurai during feudal Japan which promoted the importance of loyalty, honor and martial arts.