Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)
This is about how we use words to describe for various reasons the disciplines we practice and train in for any number of reasons. The latest term to be bandied about is, "Complete." The phrase I think was, "How to Make Your Karate Complete."
Other subjective words used are, "traditional, realistic, combative, and practical." Often the use of such terms is based on a subjective meaning of the writer whose objectives in using said terms depends on their beliefs, perceptions and endeavors on the dojo floors.
My only question that arises upon reading such things is, "by whose authority, definition and criteria do you say <fill in any of the above terms> because each individual will perceive, interpret and believe that term not according to the writer's beliefs, perceptions and interpretations but to their own and what the gives them is often a biased, dissonant oriented, interpretation." So, I often tag on a question that hopefully draws out the author's beliefs on the use of the term so those who are not directly associated with their teachings can ALSO understand the true meaning.
Example, is Iain Abernethy Sensei's use of practical karate where in his follow up writings that use of practical is explained well leaving little to question as to its meaning for one's practice of "practical karate."
Why go to this trouble? Because, my karate friends and family, it matters when transmitting the discipline to others who would follow our lead so, for instance, if its for self-protection in self-defense they fully, completely and comprehensively UNDERSTAND what they are receiving and what they are applying ... out there in that world of conflict and violence (both reality of criminal actions and the reality of the predatory legal systems actions).
So, when you use (advertise) that your system is complete you may want to clarify what that means later in your use/ad because it can matter to the point of grave harm or death if about the reality of self-defense. When you begin, ask yourself, "What do I mean when I say traditional, complete, practical, combative, etc.?" Then, by whose authority and criteria acceptable to the entire community of martial artists and karate-ka that validates and authorizes one's claim to being traditional, complete, practical, combative, etc.?"
If you can't answer that or provide a disclaimer then reconsider how you want to present it in your use/ad, etc. Remember, if its about defense and protection, when used it may come back to bite you on what skills were used and how according to self-defense laws and how all of your training, knowledge and understanding will be USED AGAINST YOU in your trial under predatory circumstances of the legal system. You really should know this BEFORE you try to use your skills for defense and protection.
Everything else, the way or philosophy or sport of health and fitness doesn't really make that much other than misleading others to purchase your product. Something to think, consider and meditate on as you travel the roads, pathways and trails of karate and martial arts.
Oh, p.s. and when I pose my questions more often than not the only answer I get are no answer at all and I can only surmise in those cases they don’t know the answers themselves and are simply replaying the same spiel they got from their sensei.
Shukan-teki [主観的] Translate to English to mean, “Subjective.” The first character translates to mean in English, “lord; chief; master; principal, main thing,” the second to, “outlook, look; appearance; condition; view,” and the third to, “bull’s eye; mark; target; object; adjective ending.”
For reference and sources and professionals go here: Bibliography (Click the link)
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