Submitted by Sensei Shabbir Kazmi, San-Dan, Ueshiro NoVA Karate Club
Under the Direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione
Onegai-shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei, Sempai and all Deshi,
"Precepts in the Mastery," Page 47, The Essence of Okinawan, Karate-Do, by Shoshin Nagamine.
In this chapter, Master Nagamine writes about the spiritual aspects of Karate training and how one can develop his/her inner strength. Master Nagamine lists six (6) Precepts in the Mastery on page 47.
Precept #6 states:
"Karate-do may be referred to as the conflict within yourself, or a life-long marathon which can be won only through self-discipline, hard training, and your own creative efforts.”
In our daily life, we are often up against tasks that seem huge and insurmountable. Some may find this overwhelming and there might be a tendency to procrastinate, give up, and fail. In fact, it is only a perception that the task is insurmountable. The reality is the conflict within, the inner dialogue and perhaps one can ask how I can train myself to win this battle. Training for any task would involve breaking down the task into small steps or milestones, study each milestone and train to overcome each hurdle.
A great example of overcoming huge hurdles is Master Ueshiro’s journey to the USA to propagate the Art of Shorin Ryu Karate on September 15, 1962. Starting a new life in a foreign land, with the language barrier, away from home and family must have been a most difficult time. However, Master Ueshiro never gave up his desire to win, overcame all odds and over his lifetime became the most influential karate practitioner and teacher in the world. Please read more about it on this link http://www.shorinryu.com/hanariv.htm
Karate-Do is training his/her mind to believe and let go of self-limitation. Sometimes winning the battle is simply staying in the fight.
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu,
Shabbir Kazmi, San-Dan Ueshiro Northern VA Karate Club shabbirkazmi01@gmail.com