The Path. Choose Wisely.

Most karate practitioners may not know beyond the basis of their own dojo or ryuha / kaiha.  However, that is to say that many karateka yet to master their own style before pursuing another.  While I have dabbled in many different types of martial arts, I am one of the philosophy that one style is enough regardless of what strengths or weaknesses may lie in the foundation of the style.  The depth in technique and philosophy alone can be studied a lifetime and depending on your instructor and your development complete mastery can never be achieved.

That is what the "DO" in Karatedo, Kendo, Chado, Sado, Judo, etc. represents.  The continuous path of which the practitioner chooses to study the depth in length.  The "kanji" or the Chinese character represents this by bringing two distinct characters 1) longevity and 2) Neck to describe the spirit behind your training.  It is training that you are willing to pursue with your neck stuck out in a vulnerable fashion representing that it can be cut at any time. (Sorry for the Samurai reference).

Many traditional karate practitioners may ask... what does Samurai and Bushido have to do with Karate?  Especially when known that Karate comes from the oppressed Okinawan regime by the Satsuma Government predating the Meiji era.  The founders of Eibukan feel that while Bushido and Karate were formulated at different times and for different purposes, the ideals behind the 7 precepts are valuable to any karateka.

Eibukan and Bushido:  How they tie together

1 – GI (Justice / Moral Righteousness): A Karateka should deal openly and honestly with others and cleaves to the ideals of justice. Moral decisions do not come in shades of gray, only right and wrong.

2 – YUU (Heroic Courage): A Karateka should never fear to act, but lives life fully and wonderfully. Respect and caution replace fear.

3 – JIN (Benevolence / Compassion): A Karateka should take every opportunity to aid others, and create opportunities when they do not arise. As a powerful individual, a Karateka has a responsibility to use that power to help others.

4 – REI (Respect / Polite Courtesy): A Karateka has no reason to be cruel, and no need to prove his strength. Courtesy distinguishes a Karateka from an animal, and reveals one’s true strength.

5 – MAKOTO (Honesty / Complete Sincerity): A Karateka’s conscience is the judge of his honor. The decisions he makes and how he carries them out are a reflection of his true nature.

6 – MEIYO (Honor): When a Karateka has said that he shall perform an action; it is as good as done. He need not make promises; speaking and doing are as if the same.

7 – CHUUGI (Loyalty / Devotion / ***Duty***): A Karateka feels responsible for his actions and their consequences, and is loyal to the people in his care.

***One should reflect upon the samurai’s loyalty to his lord and understand that it was unquestionable and unquestioning.***

(Outdated… however the spirit of this is what helps us understand CHUUGI)