While The Karate Kid movies may not have showcased the best karate
techniques, and while at times it may have sounded corny, Mr. Miyagi’s
teachings are true to the intent of learning or studying a martial art.
“Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for whole life.”
What you learn while practicing and studying martial arts can go way beyond the dojang. Learning a martial art may appear to focus on the physical side during class, but there is so much more you are learning. What you learn from martial arts training can be applied to all aspects of your life.
“Fighting always the last answer to the problem.” and “Here
are the 2 Rules of Miyagi-Ryu Karate. Rule number 1: ‘Karate for defense only.’
Rule number 2: ‘First learn rule number 1.’
Martial arts physical techniques should only be used as a last resort and have no other options to avoid an altercation.
“Daniel-san, you’re looking for revenge. The way you start
is by digging two graves!”.”
Controlling your emotions is a critical part of being a martial artist. Emotions such as fear, anger, hate, cloud one’s thinking and responses. Using your skills against another person because they made you angry or for revenge is never acceptable.
“Better learn balance. Balance is key. Balance good, karate
good. Everything good. Balance bad, better pack up, go home. Understand?”
Balance is one of the key skills you master as a martial artist. Being physically balanced consists of many things for martial artists: Even / physical equilibrium, Equal distribution of weight, Symmetry, Stability, Controlling one’s center of gravity, Retaining one’s balance
“Don’t forget to breathe, very important.”
Breathing is a key attribute to be effective in martial arts. Breath is connected to energy flow. If you are not breathing, your internal energy is not flowing. If breathing is choppy, so will your energy. Smooth, natural breath moves energy through the body “
“Either you karate do “yes” or karate do “no.” You karate do
“guess so,” (get squished) just like grape.”
If you can avoid an alteration that is good, but if you have no other option but to actually use the techniques you have learned in a self-defense situation, the most important thing is to not hesitate or second guess.
"First Learn Stand, Then Learn Fly. Nature Rule,
Daniel-San, Not Mine.”
In mastering anything, including martial arts, it takes patience and it is process build a foundation to build upon which takes time.
If you happen to watch or rewatch The Karate Kid movies, I recommend
looking at it from the viewpoint of studying martial arts philosophies and how you
might apply them to your own training.
Regards,
Kelly
“If karate is used to defend honor, defend life — karate
means something. If karate is used to defend a plastic metal trophy — karate
doesn’t mean anything.”.” ~ Mr. Miyagi, fictional Okinawan karate in The Karate
Kid saga.
