Karate is Budo and if Budo is removed from Karate it is nothing more than sport karate, show karate, or even fashion karate-the idea of training merely to be fashionable.
Mas OyamaRead
Karate is not a game. It is not a sport. It is not even a system of self-defense. Karate is half physical exercise and half spiritual. The karateist who has given the necessary years of exercise and meditation is a tranquil person. He is unafraid. He can even be calm in a burning building.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Karate transcends mere physicality, embodying a holistic approach that integrates mental and spiritual growth.
This quote by Mas Oyama emphasizes that karate is more than just a martial art; it is a way of life that combines physical training with spiritual enlightenment. Practicing karate cultivates not only physical strength and self-defense skills but also inner peace and fearlessness, allowing practitioners to remain calm and composed even in dire situations.
Themes
KarateSpiritualityExercisePeaceCourage
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth and resilience.
More from Mas Oyama
All quotes βSice Karate exists for cultivating the spirit and training the body, it must be a moral way surpassing mere techniques.
Mas OyamaRead
Although it is important to study and train for skill in techniques, for the man who wishes to truly accomplish the way of budo, it is important to makehis whole life in training and therefore not aiming for skill and strength alone, but also for spiritual attainment.
Mas OyamaRead
One becomes a beginner after 1000 days of training. One becomes a master after 10,000 days of practice.
Mas OyamaRead
The path of Martial Arts begins and ends with courtesy. So be genuinely polite on every occasion.
Mas OyamaRead
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