The Chinese Taoist philosopher
Laozi believed that the concept of the path represents both mind
and spiritual enlightenment. I believe that to find this
realization in life, one must practice asceticism and search with
a true heart in order to live the most ideal life as a human being.
In the Karate Symposium
of October 28th, 1936, which was sponsored by the Ryukyu Shinpo
Company, Miyagi Chojun Sensei was quoted (translated quote) as
saying, "I think that the phrase Karate do (Road) should be used,
rather than just the word Karate". Funakoshi Gichin Sensei
and other top instructors agreed to this statement and together
consented to apply the word Do when referring to Karate, to create
the title of Karate Do. Keeping this in mind, I want to
reflect on why Miyagi Chojun Sensei chose the name Karate Do,
and what lead up to the change not only in name but concerning
martial arts in general in Okinawa.
In 1933 Miyagi Chojun Sensei
wrote a summary on Karate Do for a lecture that he presented.
In this Karate Do summary there are many quotes (roughly
translated) that refer to Zen in relation to martial arts and
life. It explains that "Karate Do is an abyss, and it is
grasped through deep thinking and understanding as is martial
arts in general". I determine this belief as the union of
Zen and Martial Arts ordered by the mind and body, which will
help me concentrate on the pursuit of true martial arts in my
own life.
During his life, it is
believed that Miyagi Chojun Sensei focused a great deal on the
ascetic practices of Zen meditation in his pursuit of self, and
to aid him in his training of character completion. Through
his severe training in martial arts coupled with the ascetic practices
of Zen, I feel that Miyagi Sensei was able to strive towards his
own realization and true path in life. He was a true martial
artist that only focused on this way of life, lived according
to this way, and did not stray for the duration of his life.
The spread of Goju Ryu around the world is just a testament to
the art and way of life that Miyagi Chojun Sensei was able to
pass on to all the future generations.
In regards to his kata,
Miyagi Chojun Sensei's ability was hard to describe in words,
as explained by his students, and his application of hard (Go)
techniques were like a thrust of incredible power in an instant,
while his soft (Ju) techniques could transition from whipping
movements to sticky (muchimi) movements with great timing, and
this application of muchimi would allow him to stick to his training
partner with great strength. It was said that watching these
performances was like watching a beautiful artwork in motion.
Through his extreme and difficult training in life Miyagi
Chojun Sensei came to reach the Truth (true path) of martial arts,
and has in return left the art for the world to practice with
his teachings.
At times when Chojun
Sensei would talk to a disciple he would tell them that
"One must polish their character and become one with nature, to
understand true karate", and also, "The martial arts are one with
the universe". Often he would travel north to Kunigami
for training, where there are many mountains and an equally plentiful
amount of greenery and nature. During these trips, Miyagi
Sensei would immerse himself in the nature of the mountains and
the sea off the nearby coast, and it is believed that he also
meditated in the midst of the nature around him. Miyagi
Chojun Sensei was a seeker of Truth in search for the correct
path, and in closing, I believe that the ideal path in life for
a martial artist is sought only through dedication and severe
training in all aspects of Kata. The path to true Karate
Do is far away. With belief in our teachers and ourselves,
we must progress step by step with passion. In closing, consider
this advice.
