WADO-RYU: Philosophy
"Martial Arts Are As Infinite As The Universe." Master Hironori Otsuka
"Violet action may be understood as the way of Martial Arts, but the true meaning of the Martial Arts is to seek and attain the Way of Peace and Harmony." Master Hironori Otsuka
The Martial Arts teaches many things, but not all of these things are physical. As we study Martial Arts, we learn many lessons that guide us through the journey of life. We learn how and when to use or not to use what we have learned.
The "Ultimate Goal" of the Martial Arts philosophy is "Victory Without Combat", or that you can win a confrontation without resorting to physical violence. It also teaches us the habits and characteristics not only just to reach Black Belt excellence but also those things essential to a well-balanced life.
Some of these things you will learn right at the beginning of your journey; some you will learn in the middle; and yet others will take a while to establish.
Whichever the case, you should try to diligently learn all of these lessons. They are:
- WHITE-- Focus. Paying Attention. Punctuality. Being on time.
- GOLD-- Effort. Always trying your best. Consistency. Doing a task on a regular basis
- ORANGE-- Goal setting. Setting a desire in motion, and achieving it. Commitment. An agreement or promise to do something in the future. "your word is your bond."
- BLUE-- Self-Control. The state of being in control over your actions, emotions and thoughts. Courage. Doing what is right even in the presence of fear.
- PURPLE-- Patience. Taking your time and gently enduring without complaint.
- GREEN-- Enthusiasm. Being excited about what you are doing. "gives everything you've got to everything you do!"
- BROWN 3-- Determination. The act of being firm or completely resolved to finish a task.
- BROWN 2-- Dedication to become committed to as a way of life.
- BROWN 1-- Contribution. The unselfishly giving back to others. To create a great whole or unity.
Yet still, a part of our philosophy is in our everyday training. That part is our Black Belt virtues:
- Modesty: Being humble and not bragging.
- Courtesy: Being kind and respectful to others.
- Integrity: Being honest and true to your word.
- Self-Control: Being in control of your actions, emotions and thoughts.
- Perseverance: To stick with something no matter what obstacles have to be overcome.
- Indomitable-spirit: The spirit that can never be broken
These and many other things you will learn throughout your training. Take them to heart and you will grow without bounds.
CODE OF CONDUCT
- KARATE: Begins with courtesy, disciplines the mind and body, builds character, promotes respect and ends with courtesy which leads to WA-NO-MICHI . (Way of Peace)
- PURPOSE: (Mokuteki) The purpose of the Wado System of Karate is to teach this Japanese Martial Art, its attitudes, traditions and culture. Also to teach a way of harmony with the students, within the students and around the students.
- REVERANCE: (Sonkei) Revere that which is holy. Honor your Mother and Father. Respect your elders and other people's property and rights.
- THANKFULNESS: (Kansha) Be thankful for all things; your life, friendship and love. Thankfulness will bring happiness.
- DISCIPLINE: (Shuyo) Discipline your mind and body so that you have absolute control over both of them. Only a disciplined person can win their goal.
- SINCERITY: (Makota) A person's character will be judged by his sincerity and integrity. Only a sincere person can be worthy of friendship.
- UNITY: (Toitsu) Unity of one's mind, body and spirit in all endeavors are essential to one's success. Concentrate on one thing at a given time.
MORAL CODE
- The Heart: It is the harmony of the life of the men.
- Courtesy: It is to cultivate respect for human beings.
- Generosity: It is better to be devoted than not involved.
- Honesty: It is to face without cheating, nor to disguise its thoughts. It is the straightness of the body and spirit.
- Friendship: It is the purest of all the feelings.
- Courage: It is to engage for a cause by overcoming its fear.
- Dignity: It is to remain oneself in defeat as in victory.
- Sincerity: It is to be expressed with the heart and not the mind.
- Serenity: It is to remain calm and lucid when anger goes up.
- Honor: It is to respect its engagements until the end.
- Perseverance: It is the perfect partner of the practitioner.