|
Feudal warfare ended
in Japan in the 17th century at the time of the Tokugawa shogunate. The function of the samurai changed from warrior to
educated, upper class aristocrat. Martial systems such as archery,
swordsmanship and grappling, originally developed as ways of destroying
an enemy in battle, became the study of overcoming one's weakness in
life. The practical imperatives of bushido evolved into the spiritual
discipline of budo
- the way of stopping conflict.
Karate-do,
the art of weaponless fighting, has evolved along lines similar to other
Japanese fighting arts. As part of the tradition of budo, Karate-do
retains the imperative of warfare minus the necessity of mortal combat
to test courage and skill. As a life art, the aim is to bring
discipline into all areas of human endeavor. Karate-do is not strictly
a combat system but a means of self defense ultimately aimed at avoiding
conflict altogether. At its highest level it awakens us to the root
source of human aggression and offers a pathway to the development of
inner peace.
Self-defense is more
than survival. It is the ability, in a sometimes fragmented and chaotic
world, to enhance our quality of life.
|
