Right and Wrong

Often I have found that Americans tend to feel there are only two answers to any question or situation. Either it is "right" or it is "wrong." There is something "wrong" about this assumption.

I have attempted to change the way I view such things especially in regards to Okinawan Karate; there is nothing "right or wrong" about it but rather things tend to just be "different."

It appears to my mind that the differences displayed are mostly geared toward a person's perception, assumptions and expectations - their overall belief system about the system, style and branch of study. If taken with out assumptions, with out ego and with out pride and on its own merits we just might find that it is neither right or wrong, just different.

In the end the only assumption I would like to have in karate is "does it work?" Given time, effort and analysis in practice if it works then it does not matter what system, style and branch but rather "it works."

The principle of Okinawa Karate dictates that if it works then assimilate it into your strong character. Allow the change, more like an addition to your system, style and branch making it a new and improved system, style and branch - for you anyway. Isn't that what practice and training is all about, learn the entire system then make it your own. Often this means some of it works for "you" and some of it doesn't work so good, for "you."

Hmmm, seems about right to me .... comments?