Karate Ni Sentenashi
"There is no first strike in Karate." One of the precepts of Karate-do. One must never attack first,
mentally or physically. If you attack, never be angry. If you are angry, never attack.
The Japanese writing stands for 'Karate Ni Sentenashi', a basic and very essential part of karate training. It means that the Karateka must never attack first - mentally or physically. To understand this fully, years of hard, correct training are needed. As the Karateka grows in stature so also will grow their good manners and etiquette, both outwardly and, more importantly, inwardly.
Included in the concept of 'Karate Ni Sentenashi' are intense, purposeful Karate training and correct dojo etiquette.
History:
Kosaku Matsumora (1829-1898) was born in Tomari village, on Okinawa Island.
At the age of 15, when in those days boys began to be treated as adults, he started to learn karate from Master Teruya of Tomari. The young Matsumora became one of Master Teruya's main students, even though he had many followers.
Master Teruya taught Kata which were only practiced in Tomari, namely "Rohai", "Wanshu", etc. He also placed a great deal of emphasis on good behaviour, citing "Karate-ni-Sente-Nashi" ("there is no first attack in karate").
In those days, karate was usually practiced in the garden or at the cemetery of the master's family, as it was the most convenient place. One evening, when Master Matsumora and others were practicing at Master Teruya's family cemetery he noticed an outcast watching his moves intently. Master Matsumora approached him. The man apologised for disturbing Matsumora's training and commended him on his level of skills. He handed Matsumora a piece of paper but, before Matsumora could finish reading the inscription, the recluse had disappeared. Matsumora showed the note to Master Teruya, to which he responded "exactly!" Some time later, Kosaku Matsumora had a flash of inspiration and, in a moment, understood the deeper meaning of the message; "The essence of Bu (do) is to denounce immoral consideration, understand humanity, follow a virtuous path, and devote your life to cultivating peace in Okinawa."
mentally or physically. If you attack, never be angry. If you are angry, never attack.
The Japanese writing stands for 'Karate Ni Sentenashi', a basic and very essential part of karate training. It means that the Karateka must never attack first - mentally or physically. To understand this fully, years of hard, correct training are needed. As the Karateka grows in stature so also will grow their good manners and etiquette, both outwardly and, more importantly, inwardly.
Included in the concept of 'Karate Ni Sentenashi' are intense, purposeful Karate training and correct dojo etiquette.
History:
Kosaku Matsumora (1829-1898) was born in Tomari village, on Okinawa Island.
At the age of 15, when in those days boys began to be treated as adults, he started to learn karate from Master Teruya of Tomari. The young Matsumora became one of Master Teruya's main students, even though he had many followers.
Master Teruya taught Kata which were only practiced in Tomari, namely "Rohai", "Wanshu", etc. He also placed a great deal of emphasis on good behaviour, citing "Karate-ni-Sente-Nashi" ("there is no first attack in karate").
In those days, karate was usually practiced in the garden or at the cemetery of the master's family, as it was the most convenient place. One evening, when Master Matsumora and others were practicing at Master Teruya's family cemetery he noticed an outcast watching his moves intently. Master Matsumora approached him. The man apologised for disturbing Matsumora's training and commended him on his level of skills. He handed Matsumora a piece of paper but, before Matsumora could finish reading the inscription, the recluse had disappeared. Matsumora showed the note to Master Teruya, to which he responded "exactly!" Some time later, Kosaku Matsumora had a flash of inspiration and, in a moment, understood the deeper meaning of the message; "The essence of Bu (do) is to denounce immoral consideration, understand humanity, follow a virtuous path, and devote your life to cultivating peace in Okinawa."
Samurai Maxims
The Samurai Maxims, highlighting the three weknesses. The three Samurai Maxims now still being utilised in today's Japanese martial-arts and even in many aspects of modern society. The three Maxims are; Kikioji, Mikuzure, and Futanren. These are considered the three main weaknesses' that could lose a battle due to an insufficiently trained mind and body.
KIKIOJI;
Being afraid before fighting because of the enemy's reputation.
MI-KUZU-RE;
Being afraid because the enemy looks fierce and strong.
FU-TAN-REN;
'Inadequate training'. Training must never be neglected, train with purpose and intensity.
KIKIOJI;
Being afraid before fighting because of the enemy's reputation.
MI-KUZU-RE;
Being afraid because the enemy looks fierce and strong.
FU-TAN-REN;
'Inadequate training'. Training must never be neglected, train with purpose and intensity.
MOKUTEKI.
'Purpose'. One of the precepts of Karate-do. You must have a positive and enthusiastic approach to what you have committed yourself in doing. Without purpose, there is no direction.
SONKEI.
'Reverence'. One of the precepts used in a Japanese and Okinawan Dojo. Revere what is holy; respect all things.
KANSHA.
'Thankfulness'. One of the precepts of Karate-do. Be grateful and give thanks for all things that you receive. Life, learning, and general
'being'.
SHYUO.
'Discipline'. One of the precepts of Karate-do. You must first attain a disciplined mind. With discipline there is focus, which leads us all to clarity.
MAKOTA.
'Sincerity'. One of the precepts of Karate-do. Also encompasses the ideals of honesty and devotion. Be sincere in all things; attain a pure heart.
TOITSU.
'Unity'. One of the precepts of Karate-do. Unity, brotherhood, all helps us to achieve the same directions and goals. Be at one with yourself, then with others.
'Purpose'. One of the precepts of Karate-do. You must have a positive and enthusiastic approach to what you have committed yourself in doing. Without purpose, there is no direction.
SONKEI.
'Reverence'. One of the precepts used in a Japanese and Okinawan Dojo. Revere what is holy; respect all things.
KANSHA.
'Thankfulness'. One of the precepts of Karate-do. Be grateful and give thanks for all things that you receive. Life, learning, and general
'being'.
SHYUO.
'Discipline'. One of the precepts of Karate-do. You must first attain a disciplined mind. With discipline there is focus, which leads us all to clarity.
MAKOTA.
'Sincerity'. One of the precepts of Karate-do. Also encompasses the ideals of honesty and devotion. Be sincere in all things; attain a pure heart.
TOITSU.
'Unity'. One of the precepts of Karate-do. Unity, brotherhood, all helps us to achieve the same directions and goals. Be at one with yourself, then with others.
Dojo Kun
Reisetsu o Mamori - Stick to the rules of the Dojo.
Shingi o Omanji - Be loyal to your instructor.
Jojitsu ni Oberesu - Students and instructors are not all one (never take advantage of his friendship).
Shinkenmi ni Tesseyo - Be serious in your efforts.
DOJO KUN - These Maxims are motto's, the spirit of which serious students of Karate should try to follow if they wish to gain the maximum from their training. The Maxims are like the English saying 'Service not self', 'Deeds not words', 'Be prepared' and exemplify an attitude which dictates a way of life.
REISETSU O MAMORI - Stick to the rules of the dojo. Good etiquette must be observed at all times by following the club's rules.
SHINGI O OMANJI - A student must have loyalty to his instructor. This is the most important thing in Martial Arts. It is not possible for someone to change his style in Japanese Martial Arts - people who do so cannot learn the correct etiquette and spirit of Martial Arts.
JOJITSU NI OBERESU - Teachers and students are not all one. Outside the Dojo you can be friendly with your Sensei but do not take advantage of this friendship.
SHINKENMI NI TESSEYO - Be serious in your efforts. No flippancy, chattering, smoking, gum chewing, eating or drinking in the Dojo. Concentrate solely on Karate and train hard in everything you do. The dojo is not a social gathering hall and visitors as well as students shall respect the rules and Maxims.
Shingi o Omanji - Be loyal to your instructor.
Jojitsu ni Oberesu - Students and instructors are not all one (never take advantage of his friendship).
Shinkenmi ni Tesseyo - Be serious in your efforts.
DOJO KUN - These Maxims are motto's, the spirit of which serious students of Karate should try to follow if they wish to gain the maximum from their training. The Maxims are like the English saying 'Service not self', 'Deeds not words', 'Be prepared' and exemplify an attitude which dictates a way of life.
REISETSU O MAMORI - Stick to the rules of the dojo. Good etiquette must be observed at all times by following the club's rules.
SHINGI O OMANJI - A student must have loyalty to his instructor. This is the most important thing in Martial Arts. It is not possible for someone to change his style in Japanese Martial Arts - people who do so cannot learn the correct etiquette and spirit of Martial Arts.
JOJITSU NI OBERESU - Teachers and students are not all one. Outside the Dojo you can be friendly with your Sensei but do not take advantage of this friendship.
SHINKENMI NI TESSEYO - Be serious in your efforts. No flippancy, chattering, smoking, gum chewing, eating or drinking in the Dojo. Concentrate solely on Karate and train hard in everything you do. The dojo is not a social gathering hall and visitors as well as students shall respect the rules and Maxims.
