A Beginner’s Mind essay on Karate-Do – My Way of Life, by Gichin Funakoshi

[David Brezinski]

Most of us want to live a meaningful and purposeful life; Master Gichin Funakoshi certainly achieved this.  During my reading and reflection of the passages and experiences he shared in his book, Karate-Do; My Way of Life, I was truly mesmerized by Master Funakoshi’s parables based on his life experience and living in “the Way of Karate.”  He epitomizes all that is good; humility, discipline, integrity, sacrifice, dedication, love of country and positive purpose.  In other words, he truly represented and acted upon “doing the next right thing” and living a balanced, contented life even though he most certainly faced a lot of challenges and adversity.

It is not hard to wonder what things might be like had Master Funakoshi not realized his purpose.  Would karate be an art that was lost generations ago?  Might it be different or watered down in such a way that the more spiritual aspects of the art were replaced with more “human ego-centric” teachings and methods forever altering the traditions and spiritual essence of karate?    

I learned a bit about Japanese culture that I did not know before; steeped in thousands of years of tradition, it is sufficient to say that my reading of Karate-Do opened my eyes and mind as to learn and understand things differently than I once did; my perspective of the world around me broadened.  In some respects, the old saying of “the more things change the more they stay the same” rings true.  Master Funakoshi confronted social conflict, politics, war, religious and spiritual ideologies and dogma as well as economic and challenges with personal relationships.  All of these things are part of the human experience, but Master Funakoshi seemingly walked through these challenges with honor and dignity.  A man of greatness, indeed, not just in his words but also in his actions!

One area of profound insight I gained was Master Funakoshi’s input relative to what karate is not; dispelling myths about physical impossibilities that have been glorified to some extent in more contemporary movies and folklore.  As I read this early on in his autobiography, it became an indicator of his own humility and desire to be truthful relative to human limitations; even for a karate master.  With enough training and focus, one can do seemingly amazing things like breaking multiple boards with their hand or performing other significant feats but none of these are miraculous nor superhuman nor are they really a meaningful part of the true spirit of karate.

Another keen insight and aspect of his life experiences is related to the fact that he had teachers and mentors; that we cannot live a purposeful life if it is self-driven and directed.  To succeed, find contentment and meaning, we must put some level of dependency into others life experiences (e.g. Master Funakoshi’s masters) and strive to latch on to those that have a positive influence on us; that they have something we desire for ourselves.  In all aspects of life we are dependent on other things to live; water, food, sunlight, mental and emotional connectedness (social engagement), etc., and clearly these things were important to Master Funakoshi’s achievements and means of living a balanced (mind-body-spirit) and healthy long-life.  This lesson applies to my own life; in the dojo, I look to my sensei to provide me guidance and instill a level of regimen and purpose in my own life while alleviating the potential “bondage of self” and egoism that can lead to struggle and chaos rather than calm and contentment.  A path already taken is easier than cutting a new path because my own ego and rebellious nature are only obstacles to growth.

Being boastful is detrimental to the true meaning of karate; he said, “…if you are boastful, you will make a great many enemies.” (page 93, Recognizing True Karate).  His reiterating in the way he lived and his teaching methods that true karate is never used offensively; and living by that principle, reflects how truly disciplined he was in his teaching of the art and the importance of good and sound judgment in how we interact, engage and respond to others.  These principles, if applied and practiced, can help us to live life to its fullest with humility, purpose and meaning. 

[David Brezinski]

And thank you, sir, for your teaching and carrying on the "the way of karate."

[Mike Oliver]

Thank you sir for sharing your insights. I'm thankful that masters of karate such as Gichin Funakoshi were able to record some lessons for us to still learn from. He is a good teacher.