The Principles of Karate #3

(Adapted from Gichin Funakoshi’s Book, The Guiding Principles of Karate)

3.) Karate stands on the side of justice.

Justice is defined as fairness or that which is right.

It is important for the Karateka to know right from wrong and to do that which is fair, reasonable and upright.

For justice to occur, there must be reasonableness…an honest integrity or uprightness.

Justice relies upon fair dealing and doing what one knows to be right.

When one knows they are in the right, they will be more confident in their actions as well as stronger and more effective.

A Karateka or student of Karate should not only know right from wrong, but should develop the ability to stand for what is right regardless of the circumstance. And to develop the mental and emotional strength to follow through.

As Master Funakoshi points out, human beings are at their strongest when they believe they are right. The strength that comes from the confidence of someone who knows he or she is right is expressed by the saying, “When I examine myself and see that I am in the right, then whether I am faced by one thousand or ten thousand opponents, I must press onward.”

To avoid action when justice is at stake demonstrates a lack of knowledge and courage.

Further, Karate as a martial art must not be used unjustly or improperly.

The practitioner of Karate must stand on the side of justice at all times and only in situations where there is no other choice should their power find expression through the use of their hands and feet as weapons.