Patience. Control. Honour. Samurai Warriors lived within a strict code of conduct and firmly believed that their swords should never be recklessly drawn. “ It was essential for the honourable man of the day to bear things to very limit of his ability before taking action. Only after reaching the point where the situation could no longer be tolerated was the blade drawn from its scabbard.” (Pg 23) Like a stone that has been dropped into water, the ripples of this principle can still be seen in today’s modern world of martial arts and karate. While there are not many samurai warriors waiting around at the bus stop these days, their idea that one should always avoid deadly force unless necessary is a lesson that should be taught to all, martial artist or not. While many do not train with swords, karate-do (empty hand way) teaches us how to make our feet and hands into weapons as deadly as a blade of a samurai sword.. Therefore the concept there is no first strike in karate “ is an extension of the basic samurai principle that one must avoid the reckless use of weapons.” (Pg 24.) However, when all resources are exhausted and there is no other recourse to take, “they must respond wholeheartedly and without concern for life or limb and [allow] their martial prowess to shine.” (Pg 25) In other words, use your head. Think before you kick. If someone bumps into you while passing you, your first reaction should not be to jump into a fight. Even if a situation is getting out of control, try to find different options first before resorting to physical violence. Then, if use of your skill is all that you have left, use it wisely and use it well. Karate is defensive, not offensive. One of my all time favourite movies, the original karate kid(1984), demonstrates this concept in a conversation between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi :
Daniel: Hey you ever get into fights when you were a kid?
Miyagi: Huh- plenty.
Daniel: Yeah, but it wasn’t like the problem I have, right?
Miyagi: Why? Fighting fighting. Same same.
Daniel: Yeah, but you knew karate
Miyagi: Someone always know more.
Daniel: You mean there where times when you were scared to fight?
Miyagi: Always scare. Miyagi hate figting.
Daniel: Yeah, but you like karate
Miyagi: So?
Daniel: So, Karate’s fighting. You train to fight.
Miyagi: That what you think?
Daniel [pondering]: No.
Miyagi: Then Why train?
Daniel [thinks]: So I won’t have to fight
Miyagi [laughs]: Miyagi have hope for you.
We also see the lack of this principal in Karate Kid. It is shown through the teaching of the sensei ( if you can call him that ) in the opposing dojo:
Kreese: What do we study here?
Karate class: THE WAY OF THE FIST SIR.
Kreese: And what is that way?
Karate class: STRIKE FIRST. STRIKE HARD. NO MERCY SIR.
Kreese: I can’t hear you.
Karate class: STRIKE FIRST. STRIKE HARD. NO MERCY SIR.
I find it absolutely amazing that these principals, especially principals established by samurai warriors still have an impact upon our training today. Do not forget, THERE IS NO FIRST STRIKE IN KARATE. Think. Have patience. Use control. Remember your honour.
As a side note you can catch Ralph Macchio (Daniel-san) in Dancing with the stars this season. Apparently rumor has it that if he wins he will do the famous crane kick..... you bet your bottom dollar that I will be tuning in to the finale to see that if he makes it.
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