Martial Arts Language or “The Language of Karate.”

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Now, this may seem like the beginnings of an article on MA terminology but it isn’t. It is about maturity in martial arts. In a recent article I read the quote that inspired this articles was, “ … according to one teeth-grinder … who rates himself as 8th dan … (said to the author of the article) ‘F*^king idiot!’” 

Now, one aspect of master in the martial arts it made me consider for this article is one that I don’t remember being talked or written about in a non-assuming way - Martial Arts Maturity!

We talk about mastery along with humility and even enlightenment but seldom does the subject of a practitioners/students, “Maturity,” come to the forefront of such teachings and discussions. I have a feeling that one assumes and assumptions can make an “Ass” out of us and some guy named, “umption.” 

When I read about some 8th level yudansha resorting to this level of thinking as well as writing and talking (cause if he wrote it I would assume he wouldn’t hesitate to say it as well) in this manner that this person has not reached a proper level of maturity that I would expect from someone of such high rank/grade/level, one of such perceived accomplishment they would not need to resort to such tactics to achieve what ever goal they are trying to achieve in such exchanges.

It reminded me of a recent podcast of a supposed radio show on martial arts where the interview and discussion involved two supposed highly respected MMA professionals. One never once during the interview used language that I would consider inappropriate while the interviewer used the F-word in almost every single sentence. It seemed like it was the only way he could emphasize the idea he was talking about. I was disappointed because from where I sit, as an old codger of sixty-two years, the use of such expletives especially in a public forum was a sign of immaturity. 

Don’t get me wrong, in my early years in the military as well as the dojo I could cuss up a storm - “Like a Sailer,” as they use to say but I also felt strong that in training, in a training hall or in a traditional dojo the use of such words, etc., were inappropriate. It lacked a certain maturity.

Now, in defense, especially in today’s society, it may be acceptable to emphasize certain feelings and idea’s using certain words most of us in my youth know are cuss-words. 

In a nutshell, of one of such age, supposedly maturity and such high levels of proficiency in the discipline of martial arts has to resort to using expletives to get their point across they failed to learn about communications, they failed to reach a mature age and level and therefore may not deserve the level or grade or rank or recognition that goes along with such things.

When I think of mastery of a martial discipline I think of things like, “Maturity, Strength of Character, Strength of mind and body, high levels of discipline, great proficiency in the discipline, a certain level of enlightenment, humility beyond normal and what would be required, courage and bravery, higher levels of right behavior, good will toward all, a certain courtesy and conduct that leads by example to all who follow, a level of truth and honesty beyond reproach and many other virtues that seem to say, “Expletives are counter to these virtues, etc.” 

It seems that maybe in our teaching others the martial arts regardless of reasons be they sport or “The Way” or self-defense it is prudent that we put back into the training program the virtue of, “Maturity.” 

If one has to fall back on and resort to argumentative expletive driven emotionally driven monkey dancing to force their views and beliefs when questioned rather than to discuss, like gentlemen, and communicate theories, ideas and finally facts in support of one’s views, perceptions and perspectives then we are failing to transmit the true nature, the very essence, of martial disciplines. 

Maybe this is what some mean when they talk about “True Karate (MA)!” I would prefer to convey my viewpoint in such a way that the opposing person willingly listens, regards, validates and very possibly accepts my side but I know from experience to argue and force my views, etc. on the opposing person will just validate and reinforce their side regardless of the merits of mine - that is failure in my view and counter to martial arts morality, etc.

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p.s. look at it from a self-defense view, would you imagine that your best tactic to deescalate would be to say to your adversary, "Hey fuck face, walk away or I will kick your friggin ass to hell and back!"