Karate and the Importance of a Clear Mind

The practice of karate develops physical strength and endurance, but more importantly it cultivates inner strength, a calm and focused mind. It is this balance of “hard” and “soft” that makes a martial artist not only fearless, but confident, humble and open.

The origins of karate are unclear, but most likely it was developed in Okinawa prior to the island’s 19th century annexation by Japan. The art was brought to mainland Japan in the early 1920s during a period of cultural exchanges between the Ryukyu Kingdom and the Japanese.

Master Funakoshi Gichin established the JKA (Japan Karate Association), laying out the Twenty Precepts that remain as foundations of the art. Based on Bushido and Zen, these philosophies serve to guide the way a karateka should live their life – both inside and outside of the dojo.

He often criticized people who took pride in physical demonstrations of brute force, such as breaking boards or bricks, or exaggerated the destruction they could cause, saying that they knew nothing of true karate. He said that karate was not meant to show off, but rather to train the body and the mind together.

Through kata, sparring and etiquette rituals like bowing, shouting OSS! to focus the mind, and training in stances that build awareness of the body, a karateka learns self discipline. This “Mushin,” or clear mind, carries through into one’s actions and relationships, both inside and outside of the dojo. Whether defending themselves on the street or dealing with difficult situations in work and home, this clarity is a vital part of a martial arts practitioner’s toolkit.