I have been criticized for my stance on competition. Some say we are to focused on winning and missing the way of Karate. My response to this is; Karate is a way. Competition is a test. I can follow the way every second of my life because I have tested myself. Competition in the form of combat sport is not for everyone. For those that choose to take the test, why take it if we are not prepared to win? Only one person will win a fight on paper but no person that trains, focuses, sacrifices, and risks truly loses. If tournaments are beyond you; the challenge is in the dojo. Your tests will serve you a challenge equal to if not greater than tournaments. Karate is an art that depends on competition. Grading is a form of competition. Anything physical that requires pas or fail, winning or losing... is a form of competition. The fight is always within. True victory is victory over ones self. Use every available tool to test yourself. Do everything within reason possible to win. You may have to beat an opponent but strive to lift them in victory or defeat. Without some kind of test we have no marker for our progress. Without an opponent we have nobody to test ourselves with. Dont think you are above competition. Dont put down those that fight to win. Budo encompasses all of it. The true Karateka will win or lose with honor. The true karateka will learn from every opportunity. Osu Brian Wright
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 13:17:52 +0000
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