IOGKF

Newsletter

June 2009

The benefits of Traditional Karate Training

Colleen Matthews, Taki Dojo, Canada

Even though karate was developed over a hundred years ago, still today the same principals have been passed down for generations - Some of which are very important and are needed in life to be successful. The three principals that I think are the most important that I will be sharing with you are self-discipline, respect and perseverance.

To have self-discipline is great gift. You need it almost every day. Self-discipline means to have control over ones self; self-control. In karate that means not giving up if you think it is too hard, knowing when to push yourself and when it is not appropriate to be silly. Having this can also help you at work, school and even at home.

Respect is something you will need everywhere whether it's inside the dojo or out. Respect in the dojo includes bowing to anyone you work with, paying attention and listening to Sensei along with any Sempai and not goofing off. If you are respectful towards others, they will respect you back. This plays a big role in our society today whether going for a job interview or simply talking to someone. Showing respect to everyone is a way to make more friends.

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. The same applies to karate. Even if something gets difficult to keep up with or you just can't remember/understand how to do it, persevere. To preserve is to never give up, as said in the Dojo Kun. Perseverance is a very hard thing to do because it is usually easier to give up/in. If you want to truly train your mind and body you must preserve and push yourself to new lengths.

In conclusion the sport of karate has passed down many principals used by everyone today which are all very important. Karate training can also benefit the rest of your life style by making you more active, better reflexes, being stronger and even smarter. Well as they say in Japan, Sayonara.