BUDO FOR BUDOKA

INDIVIDUAL TRAINING It is a unique feature of karate that it can be practiced alone and at any time and in any place. Insofar as possible, one should wear light, informal clothing similar to that worn in normal daily activity. An area of about nine by twelve feet is appropriate, which can be reduced after some training to nine by six feet. Until one has learned the order of the kata, he should concentrate on this rather than on applying much strength. After understanding the basic structure of the kata, one should then gradually apply more strength. Finally, once he has completely learned the order and acquired a feeling for the kata, he should then begin study of the next kata. GROUP TRAINING Although individual training in karate can be of great interest, there is also pleasure in group training. As in other forms of exercise, there is a characteristic good atmosphere associated with training under the direction of a leader of a group at a school, club, or other self-development orga...

  WEAPONS AND KARATE-DO In karate from the beginning, the bare hands and feet have been considered as blades, and it should be practiced with the idea that they will cut when touched, so there is no need to be especially cautious when faced with a weapon, but it goes without saying that distance and body shifting methods should be varied depending on the type of weapon that is used by the opponent. When sufficient skill has been acquired through practice, a sword, dagger, stick and so on should actually be used in practice to learn the techniques against these weapons and to prepare oneselfmentally against them. On the other hand, when one is using a weapon, it is natural to begin depending upon it and consequently lose readiness in the use of the feet, the elbows and the free hand. Should an opponent neutralize the weapon, one could become weaker than a weaponless man. When actually faced with a weapon, one's coat and shoes are useful, and even a handkerchief or piece of paper cou...

  "Aikido is not philosophy. Aikido is the true expression and revelation of the ever-evolving functions of the universe. Thus is derived the goal of Takemusu Aiki—experiencing the mechanisms of nature’s truth in training and applying the theories in our daily life.  In Asia the word Bu means to halt the danger of the thrusting blade. Since the beginnings of human culture, this concept of Bu has implied a global advancement toward the construction of a peaceful society. “Bu is love,” proclaimed O Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido and my mentor. Yet no simplistic understanding of Budo can in any way measure the life of unfathomable devotion and dedication O Sensei led in the Way of the true samurai. He strove for a human revelation of spiritual truth, and for world harmony through daily prayer and total unselfish concern for others. We must train hard for the attainment of wisdom, for harmony and an unselfish love for all humankind. Such is the path the Founder of ...