The Charter of Karate-dō
Karate-dō developed in Okinawa as an original empty-handed martial art of Japan. Within the process of its dissemination inside Japan, and while it inherited the original spirit of the ancient Japanese martial ways (budō), it developed from combat techniques (jutsu) into a way of self-development (dō).
Besides for learning the martial skills and advancing one’s technical proficiency, budō developed into ways of spiritual development and methods of physical training, encourage a respectful and courteous demeanour, and strive to unify mind, technique and body.
These traditional values and spirit of budō were also inherited in karate-dō and play a considerable role in the formation of the personality of many Japanese who learn karate-dō.
Moreover, with karate-dō presently having spread throughout Japan as well as in countries all over the world, through international exchange it contributed significantly to the realization of world peace, and for nurturing a healthy and promising youth.
Not infatuated in mere technical ability only, and without forgetting that the essence of Karate-dō is based on the spirit of the budō, with high ethical standards we must strive to contribute to the maintenance and development of Japan‘s traditional culture, to emphasize courtesy and notable characteristics as Japanese people, to protect the rules of society, to contribute to society, and to nurture promising human resources who are respected by society.
It is with this hope that we here publish the “Karate Charter of the All Japan Karate Federation” as a basic guideline for the further development of karate-dō.
ARTICLE 1: Objective of Karate-dō
The objective of karate-dō is to forge a strong body, to cultivate one’s character, and to develop promising personalities both physically and mentally through the daily training of mind and body.
ARTICLE 2: Mental Attitude
Those who aspire to practice of karate-dō, in order to maintain its quality and dignity shall endeavor to cultivate the ethical norms that consists of courtesy, sense of justice, morality, self control, and courage.
ARTICLE 3: Practice
When training in karate-dō, practitioners must always act in accordance with the teaching that it “begins with courtesy, and ends with courtesy,” adhere to the prescribed fundamentals of the art, and strive towards the perfect unity of mind, body and technique in accordance to one’s technical proficiency.
ARTICLE 4: Competition
Whether competing in a kumite competition or a kata demonstration, exponents must fully exhibit the three qualities of heart, technique, physique (shin-gi-tai) as resulting from the regular practice. In kumite competitions one must always pay attention to safety, comply with the rules, win with modesty and accept defeat gracefully, and constantly exhibit self-control.
ARTICLE 5: The Practice Place
Do not forget that the practice place (dōjō, gymnasium, etc.) is a place of physical and mental discipline. Practitioners must strive to observe proper etiquette, maintain strict discipline, and maintain a quiet, clean, safe, and solemn environment.
ARTICLE 6: Teaching and Promotion
Teachers should always encourage others to strive to better themselves and diligently train their minds and bodies, while continuing to further their understanding of the technical principles. Teachers must consistently polish their personality with high ethical standards and must be persons respected by society.
In addition, when it comes to teaching, together with building a moderate teacher-student relationship based on a lot of respect and affection, teachers shall endeavor to harmonize strict practice and observation of safety.
When it comes to promotion, promoters shall endeavor to work on developing human resources that are respected by society, irrespective of age, gender, or the presence or absence of a disability, without being biased on technical skill, in a spirit of self-responsibility and fair play, with compassion and kindness for others, always complying with the norms and rules of society, and with a high sense of ethics.
(June 5, 2010)
Japan Karate Federation, Public Interest Incorporated Foundation
(Note: The original text can be found here on the webiste of the JKF)
© 2016, Andreas Quast. All rights reserved.