Karate-Do Diploma

Recently on Martial View written by Mr. John Vesia he speaks on ranking to black belt. He uses a certificate of diploma awarded by our systems creator, Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei. You can read his article here (The FastTrack to High Rank) and see the diploma as well.

I have seen these diploma's before so wanted to add to Vesia Sensei's article with some analysis of the silk certificate. First, notice it says in the title karate-do diploma. If we can assume that Tatsuo-san actually wrote out this diploma he may have been telling the recipients that this grade award was for the "way" they followed his teachings and not necessarily as a testimony of their prowess in combat.

Second, you will notice that the part about recognizing the recipient as a sixth dan was "due" to his "success" in "karate matches." Again, if we can assume that Tatsuo-san wrote this with any communication accuracy he is actually promoting the person according to his ability in a "sport" and not as to "jutsu or combative" ability. He states very clearly the rank is for "matches in which he participated." Look closely, "matches," as in tournament style contests.

I have also read many articles and posts, etc. where both the word "matches and contests" are used. Since they were tournament style gatherings with demonstrations, etc. it may have meant that Tatsuo-san was actually recognizing their sport ability much like a coach does for the football players after a great game. 

Does this mean they cannot use what they know in a fight, not really because many of these pioneers were already trained to fight by the military, in Isshinryu's case Marines, so that was not a big issue. Their combat training would just draw from the sport techniques taught in karate so in this instance I feel the military guys would benefit but those without that foundation becomes another story all together.

I am not trying to say that these diploma's are NOT in recognition as to competency in fighting but it may have been assumed by Tatsuo-san that the DO or matches/contests would benefit the already expert Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airman to supplement their military expertise. What I am saying is the more sport oriented teachings, if that is what they truly are, would not be combative beneficially when taught to civilians in the West who didn't have the military foundation to build on.

Does this mean I am saying that those folks in recept of such silk certificates didn't actually warrant those ranks, no not at all. Tatsuo-san awarded it to them and those that waited per his instructions and who diligently pursued their studies of karate AND the ken-po goku-i did deserve and earn those diploma's but then again those who failed to fulfill the request from Tatsuo-san .... now that is a different story once again.