Most people think Karate is designed for children, to protect lunch money, or to win trophies. This is far from the real truth. True Karate means Empty Hands, and there are several levels to this meaning.
One meaning, as stated by Ed Parker of Chinese Kenpo Karate, is that a student of Karate doesn't use weapons. "I come to you with only karate, empty hands. I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, then here are my weapons, my empty hands."
This is a fine sentiment, a good statement of honor, but it doesn't get to the heart and soul of the real empty hands that Karate represents. The original name of Karate was Naha-te, which translates as 'China Hands.' It was designed by the Imperial Bodyguards of Okinawa to protect their king.
Interestingly, the name was changed by Gichin Funakoshi, who is often held as the father of Karate. The reason for this change becomes obvious as one delves into the art and finds some the zen concepts within. The first of these concepts is that one must become silent while practicing the art.
Silence in which one perceives ones foe. Silence, which presages and enhances the energy created. Of course, while having much depth, this technical necessity for silence is only a first step to the real meaning.
If one is has learned silence, one has stopped the mind from 'talking'.' One has learned to see an opponent, ignore all distraction, ignore all outer movement, and has separated oneself from all inner thought, and this leads to the true meaning. The true meaning of the martial arts relates to one particular concept...having no thoughts.
When one is engrossed in a good book and loses all sense of time, when the world goes away, the mind has been suspended. Now immerse yourself in the chaos of the world, but do so to such a depth that all distractions go away, and there is nothing but you. Now do it in the middle of the chaos of combat.
There is the zen of it all, and there is the point of True Karate, and even of other martial arts. One must rid oneself of distraction and seek to perceive the world as it is. This is the truth which is behind the Empty Hands of Karate.
One meaning, as stated by Ed Parker of Chinese Kenpo Karate, is that a student of Karate doesn't use weapons. "I come to you with only karate, empty hands. I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, then here are my weapons, my empty hands."
This is a fine sentiment, a good statement of honor, but it doesn't get to the heart and soul of the real empty hands that Karate represents. The original name of Karate was Naha-te, which translates as 'China Hands.' It was designed by the Imperial Bodyguards of Okinawa to protect their king.
Interestingly, the name was changed by Gichin Funakoshi, who is often held as the father of Karate. The reason for this change becomes obvious as one delves into the art and finds some the zen concepts within. The first of these concepts is that one must become silent while practicing the art.
Silence in which one perceives ones foe. Silence, which presages and enhances the energy created. Of course, while having much depth, this technical necessity for silence is only a first step to the real meaning.
If one is has learned silence, one has stopped the mind from 'talking'.' One has learned to see an opponent, ignore all distraction, ignore all outer movement, and has separated oneself from all inner thought, and this leads to the true meaning. The true meaning of the martial arts relates to one particular concept...having no thoughts.
When one is engrossed in a good book and loses all sense of time, when the world goes away, the mind has been suspended. Now immerse yourself in the chaos of the world, but do so to such a depth that all distractions go away, and there is nothing but you. Now do it in the middle of the chaos of combat.
There is the zen of it all, and there is the point of True Karate, and even of other martial arts. One must rid oneself of distraction and seek to perceive the world as it is. This is the truth which is behind the Empty Hands of Karate.
About the Author:
To Empty the Mind one must learn How to Matrix their Martial Arts. Get a free book on the subject, head over to Monster Martial Arts.
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