Karate-Dō can have many meanings as interpretations tend to be dependent on each student and region. Karate-Dō is a combination of three Japanese characters. When the three characters are combined and used together as a martial art concept, Karate-Dō translates to The way of the empty hand.
| Japanese | Kanji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Kara | (空) | "empty" which applies to the principles of a weapon-less self defence form. |
| Te | (手) | "hand" which applies to the principles of utilising our fists. |
| Dō | (道) | "way" which applies to the fundamentals of Karate itself. |
A true practitioner understands and acknowledges that karate is a total way of life that goes well beyond just the self-defence and physical applications. In Karate-Dō we always keep in mind that the true opponent is oneself. One is supposed to compete and strive to excel against him/herself - to become Budō.
Karate-Dō is not a game of points, weight classes, medals or fancy demonstrations. Karate-Dō is a way of life that trains a Karateka to be peaceful. However, if conflict is unavoidable then a true Karateka dictates taking down an opponent with a single blow. This action requires attributes such as strength, speed, focus, control. But all these physical attributes is merely one part of the practice, they are just the tools not the journey itself.
True Karate is based on Bushido and Zen. In true karate, the body, mind and spirit (whole person) must be developed simultaneously. Through Kihon, Kumite and Kata we learn to control our movements. But more importantly, we learn to give up control also. We can perform the techniques without thinking about them, and remain focused without having to concentrate on any one thing. In essence, the body remembers how to move and the mind remembers how to be still.
This harmonious unity of mind and body is intensely powerful. Even the greatest physical strength and skill are no match for the power of wholeness. The result of true karate is natural, effortless action, and the confidence, humility, openness and peace only possible through perfect unity of mind and body. This is the core teaching of Zen, the basis of Bushido, and of the JKA’s Karate philosophy
