The Philosophy of Karate
The philosophy of Karate is centred around self-improvement, respect, discipline and mental strength. Karate is in two parts; a lifestyle and a mindset. Both are your choice; the lifestyle involves daily practice, of one’s craft, skill, technique and physical ability; in all walks of life, personally and professionally. The mindset inspires growth, introspection, self-awareness, reflection and accountability, to name a few. All valuable traits that you gain on this journey; you will discover for yourself, through critical, lateral thinking and a process of self-discovery. Sora Ryu aims to lay out the foundations and principles of said journey; a framework that can assist with exercise, a shared space with other likeminded individuals to train with; a progressive system with grading requirements and levels of improvement; but only you can choose to take that journey, to grow and discover your place in this world.
Karate is a martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan. It developed from indigenous fighting techniques and was influenced by Chinese martial arts brought to Okinawa by traders and immigrants. In the early 20th century, Karate was introduced to mainland Japan and became popular among the military. It was later introduced to the rest of the world and became an Olympic sport in 2020. Today, Karate is widely practiced as a means of self-defence and physical fitness and is a recognized sport in many countries.
The word "karate" means "empty hand" in Japanese. This refers to the use of bare hands for self-defence and fighting, as opposed to the use of weapons. Karate emphasizes the use of strikes, kicks, grappling, and throws to defend oneself, and emphasizes physical and mental discipline, as well as spiritual development. The concept of "emptiness" also refers to the idea of being mentally and emotionally empty, free from distraction and able to focus completely on the task at hand.
