The Meaning of Karate

"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants" - Gichin Funakoshi (father of modern karate)

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Learn from the past, live in the present, and provide for the future.

Learn to empty your mind of unnecessary thoughts and worries so that you can enjoy the everyday miracles that each moment brings, this is the true meaning of Kara-Te (empty-hand).

The original meaning of karate, “Chinese Hands”, evolved over many years to the more common translation, “Empty Hands”, that we use today. Many people believe this name to refer to the fact that karate is a weaponless art form (due to the outlawing of weapons at the time of it’s development). However the meaning is deeper then this, and in fact refers to the philosophical meaning of emptying one’s mind of unnecessary thoughts and emotions in order to prepare them for the present moment.

When the mind is clouded with emotions and thoughts brought about by unresolved conflicts, the mind becomes confused and irrational. As a result anxiety builds and the person becomes consumed by the past and unable to live in the present. By emptying the mind you allow yourself to “live in the now” and take notice of the lessons that present life has to teach. Only in this way can you create the future you perceive.

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How do I empty my mind?
In karate Meditation is practiced regularly. During this time students are encouraged to concentrate on their breathing as this is a constant and is part of the ‘now’. By doing this they release their mind of thoughts of the past, allowing them to surface naturally and then 'float away' releasing the associated anxiety. As a result the mind will become clearer and your thoughts and reactions more rational, only now can you begin to create in the present.

Imagine your mind is like a glass, if it is full of unnecessary thoughts and emotions then anything else added will simply spill over the sides. Instead you must empty the glass so that it can be filled again.

-Luke Byrne (Ba.app.Sc. Phys ed)