Spirit Training

From Masters Magazine

   From the exploits of masters like Myamoto Musashi, Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura, to Gichin Funakoshi and the like, the events surrounding these great legends seem to contradict the laws of science and modern rationality. To obsession, they trained their minds and bodies to develop an indomitable spirit and technical abilities to unbelievable levels.

   Karate “spirit training” is not about mystical, smoke and mirrors trickery; it is well grounded in reality. The mind is the major generator of healthy vigor, an enthusiastic disposition, and it is the vehicle of conscious and subconsciously directed energies. This potentially powerful segment of karate training is sometimes neglected; and under the trained eye, something is clearly missing. By contrast, someone who has trained to cultivate both a strong mental spirit and high levels of technical skill can be a very dangerous person. And, when opponents are of equal physical strength and skill, the one who is mentally stronger will win. The differences are strikingly obvious.

   Serious karate training may involve the formation of a “karate life style”. As you train, new paradigms of thinking are gradually formed. Correct karate training is developing and honing a wide spectrum of mental skills and attitudes, both conscious and subconscious; it constitutes some comprehensive and positive character building. At the same time, dramatically effective fighting techniques are sharpened. These, first glance, may seem contradictory, as many things in karate often do. For example; while Funakoshi taught that without a spirit of “peace, there is no true karate,” he also taught that we must train to accumulate powerful karate skills that we would make even “wild beasts tremble!”

   “Spirit training” covers a lot of ground, but no one ever said that karate was supposed to be easy. We often speak of having “fighting spirit” for competition, self-defense, or in combat; when lives are on the line. And when we attend quality training clinics, the more advanced will maintain the humility of a “beginners mind” while grappling with new ways of improving and applying techniques. We feel a “spirit of harmony” as we train with like-minded people and make new friends. These might at times seem highly contradictory. Can you really have an explosive high-spirited, even vicious looking match, and seconds later be a cool, calm, and friendly person? We would say, “of course!” This may not make sense to the new student, but they soon learn that contrasts are inherent in karate. It is the necessary balance to develop the character of the karate student, while reaching high levels of technical ability.

   Webster’s defines “spirit” as a “life-giving force,” or the “animating” stimulant that directs your actions. In terms karate spirit training, “spirit” can be the mindset or disposition you have when you are suddenly attacked; as a bad guy tries to do you in. Karate training is extremely multifaceted; you are learning to focus, magnify, and apply your mental skills, while transitioning explosively and fluidly through your technique. Karate is more than just punching and kicking, it also strengthens your character and integrity; it gives you strength to keep your compass pointed in a positive direction as you face life’s speed bumps.

   Observe and model your own karate spirit after the life-force a tiny green plant that against all odds, grows stubbornly up through the smallest unforgiving crack in rock-hard concrete. And be amazed on any mountain hiking trail, at a small twisted pine tree, rooted stubbornly to a cliff of solid granite; admire its tenacity.

   Karate is far more valuable than just preparing to fight. With correct and comprehensive karate training, we avoid crisis if possible; we strive to calmly and successfully cope with sometimes daunting challenges. Authentic karate “spirit training” is preparing to be a stronger, better human being. New patterns of thinking and behavior emerge through directed mental training and reflection, and from countless experiences on the dojo floor. Our martial art technique is the engine; spirit training is the motivating, driving force: the raging fire in the furnace. Through the beauty of sincere and dedicated karate training, the human being is changed forever.

Rick L. Brewer,

Chief Instructor, Central Illinois Shotokan Karate,

CENTRAL STATES SHOTOKAN KARATE-DO

Regular Columnist, “Karate Insight”, MASTERS MAGAZINE