The Spirit of Karate and Martial Arts

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Spirit, seldom discussed, mentioned or taught in self-fense in karate and martial arts. I suspect that although the term spirit is bandied about all the time in the dojo few actually consider, contemplate and ask the question, “What do you mean by spirit Sensei?” 

When we talk of spirit we talk about that nonphysical aspect of “heart” in the karate-ka and martial artist. In truth it is more then what we think of and assume as heart, it is about enhancing and helping foster such qualities that are regarded as forming the definitive or typical elements of the persons character and personality that govern thoughts and attitudes especially in moments of conflict and violence. 

It is a mental and moral characteristic that makes up personality and has a foundation in character. It is a means of developing the human inherent traits of courage, determination, energy and assertiveness, i.e., what the Marines refer to as ‘Esprit de Corps.’ 

Finally, lets refer to a form of spirit, spirited. A type of energy with enthusiasm and determination along with discipline, intent and proper experience in training, practice and most important, applications. The one fosters the other when properly applied, i.e., development of spirit in the deployment of a spirited application for self-fense, combatives and fighting. 

In the end it becomes about how a person of character comes to project both a mood and an outlook on life that is just, justified and both morally and philosophically sound toward the survival goals of the individual as well as the group or tribe. 

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“In order for any life to matter, we all have to matter.” - Marcus Luttrell, Navy Seal (ret)


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