"Rank in karate should be only a method of organization and must not be used as a source of personal identity." The original quote said Rank in budo ..." so I changed it as I felt that using budo in this context was inaccurate. You can actually place any system or style name in place of karate or you can simply say the martial arts if that generic terminology is acceptable and accurate for your views.
I am reading a new book. I won't provide the title as I am finding, initially, that it is filled full of statements and terms that are unclear and ambiguous which will cause inaccuracies in a novices efforts to learn karate. I am not saying my writing is any better so use this as a meaning that I am trying to learn from my analysis and review of various books, blog posts, web page entries, and other discussions, etc.
The fact that this book coupled karate-do with budo and provides a some what incomplete/inaccurate definition of budo or the usage of budo from Japan's view sends a slightly skewed message to the reader.
Budo is represented by the character(s): 武 for martial or martial arts and 道 for way or "do." So, bu-do means approximately "martial way." In reality karate or what was termed historically, "Ti or Te," with also the term "toudi" the indigenous system of civil fighting was not truly a martial art. The term and usage of martial came when the Japanese influences caused change in its terms to include the newest character for China being changed to Empty.
What seems to happen is anything goes simply because it cannot be proved one way or the other. Since China had the greatest influence on Okinawa and its practice of Ti we could also surmise that the Okinawan system of Ti can be called Chinese Boxing of Kung Fu, etc. I would guess most would argue that point right on out the window.
The suffix of "-do" was also added either late 1800's or early 1900 by the changes pushed to have karate readily acceptable to the Japanese as a Japanese system or martial system. When it became the watered down version pushed to the schools systems it then started to add the -do suffix to empty hand.
The Japanese influences are a result of their belief systems that come from Buddhism, Zen, etc. along with the various customs and courtesies that were a part of the Japanese society and therefor incorrectly became an intricate part of martial dojo etiquette - bogus belief.
But, then again, who the fu@& am I anyway ... lets not forget what a blog is now ya hear ... hehehe
Hey, Attention on Deck!
Hey, NOTHING here is PERSONAL, get over it - Teach Me and I will Learn!
When you begin to feel like you are a tough guy, a warrior, a master of the martial arts or that you have lived a tough life, just take a moment and get some perspective with the following:
I've stopped knives that were coming to disembowel me
I've clawed for my gun while bullets ripped past me
I've dodged as someone tried to put an ax in my skull
I've fought screaming steel and left rubber on the road to avoid death
I've clawed broken glass out of my body after their opening attack failed
I've spit blood and body parts and broke strangle holds before gouging eyes
I've charged into fires, fought through blizzards and run from tornados
I've survived being hunted by gangs, killers and contract killers
The streets were my home, I hunted in the night and was hunted in turn
Please don't brag to me that you're a survivor because someone hit you. And don't tell me how 'tough' you are because of your training. As much as I've been through I know people who have survived much, much worse. - Marc MacYoung
WARNING, CAVEAT AND NOTE
The postings on this blog are my interpretation of readings, studies and experiences therefore errors and omissions are mine and mine alone. The content surrounding the extracts of books, see bibliography on this blog site, are also mine and mine alone therefore errors and omissions are also mine and mine alone and therefore why I highly recommended one read, study, research and fact find the material for clarity. My effort here is self-clarity toward a fuller understanding of the subject matter. See the bibliography for information on the books. Please make note that this article/post is my personal analysis of the subject and the information used was chosen or picked by me. It is not an analysis piece because it lacks complete and comprehensive research, it was not adequately and completely investigated and it is not balanced, i.e., it is my personal view without the views of others including subject experts, etc. Look at this as “Infotainment rather then expert research.” This is an opinion/editorial article/post meant to persuade the reader to think, decide and accept or reject my premise. It is an attempt to cause change or reinforce attitudes, beliefs and values as they apply to martial arts and/or self-defense. It is merely a commentary on the subject in the particular article presented.
Note: I will endevor to provide a bibliography and italicize any direct quotes from the materials I use for this blog. If there are mistakes, errors, and/or omissions, I take full responsibility for them as they are mine and mine alone. If you find any mistakes, errors, and/or omissions please comment and let me know along with the correct information and/or sources.
“What you are reading right now is a blog. It’s written and posted by me, because I want to. I get no financial remuneration for writing it. I don’t have to meet anyone’s criteria in order to post it. Not only I don’t have an employer or publisher, but I’m not even constrained by having to please an audience. If people won’t like it, they won’t read it, but I won’t lose anything by it. Provided I don’t break any laws (libel, incitement to violence, etc.), I can post whatever I want. This means that I can write openly and honestly, however controversial my opinions may be. It also means that I could write total bullshit; there is no quality control. I could be biased. I could be insane. I could be trolling. … not all sources are equivalent, and all sources have their pros and cons. These needs to be taken into account when evaluating information, and all information should be evaluated.” - God’s Bastard, Sourcing Sources (this applies to this and other blogs by me as well; if you follow the idea's, advice or information you are on your own, don't come crying to me, it is all on you do do the work to make sure it works for you!)
“You should prepare yourself to dedicate at least five or six years to your training and practice to understand the philosophy and physiokinetics of martial arts and karate so that you can understand the true spirit of everything and dedicate your mind, body and spirit to the discipline of the art.” - cejames (note: you are on your own, make sure you get expert hands-on guidance in all things martial and self-defense)
“All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.” - Montaigne
I am not a leading authority on any one discipline that I write about and teach, it is my hope and wish that with all the subjects I have studied it provides me an advantage point that I offer in as clear and cohesive writings as possible in introducing the matters in my materials. I hope to serve as one who inspires direction in the practitioner so they can go on to discover greater teachers and professionals that will build on this fundamental foundation. Find the authorities and synthesize a wholehearted and holistic concept, perception and belief that will not drive your practices but rather inspire them to evolve, grow and prosper. My efforts are born of those who are more experienced and knowledgable than I. I hope you find that path! See the bibliography I provide for an initial list of experts, professionals and masters of the subjects.
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