Advices for beginners

Karatedo can be defined as a kind of defensive martial art as practitioners are trained to make use of their own hands and feet to protect themselves. In other words, practitioners’ hands and feet possess the same power as those of swords and knives; “To kill with one blow” has become the spiritual motto in Karatedo training. Hence, to avoid the abuse or misuse of Karatedo is an utmost important lesson we have to learn; beginners of Karatedo must learn how to be tolerant first; it is through tolerance that we train ourselves to be responsible for our actions and stable in our moods.

As a martial art, Karatedo training is strict and demanding. Beginners have to understand that there is no short cut in the training; hard work and rigorous exercise is the key to success. Training in Karatedo is never easy; it means sweat and hardship: one has to endure the pain in the process of training, which is often long-term and repetitive. Only through this marathon process that Karatedo practitioners can gain and master the skills they strive for, and further transform them into their own natural strengths. Spiritually, Karatedo practitioners should always aspire to perform still better and strive for new heights in Karatedo; with this motivation behind, one will always ask for further perfection in the skills practised. In this way, Karatedo training will become a life-long training process.

Karatedo training does not only emphasize on physical attacking and blocking techniques, but more importantly, on spiritual training and nourishment. To withstand the hard and severe training, Karatedo practitioners have to experience the correct attitude and manner in facing adversity and hardship. If one pursues to be an outstanding Karateka, apart from being able to master various skills, one should also be spiritually well-trained and sound; morality should be well-developed. At the end of the day, one should realize that training of the body and mind should be considered as one entity, instead of two separate parts. A notable Karateka should be someone with well-integrated characters. The more senior one reaches, the more demanding he/she should be in terms of his/her personal character development. Instead of gaining victory indiscriminately, Karatedo practitioners should practise Karatedo with a calm heart; this is the genuine value in the pursuit of Karatedo.

Last but not least, from the training in Karatedo, Karatedo practitioners’ spirit would be ground and their physical shape will sharpened; with a heart that is fearless, they should target to transcend all obstacles and challenges in life. With such discipline in oneself, together with a warm heart to others, it is hoped that Karatedo practitioners would eventually become beneficial assets to our society.