Would You Care2

dominiuno · Post by **dominiuno** » Sun Jul 07, 2002 5:26 am

Heres a question sparked by the twilight zone. If you were the last human on the earth, would you still practice karate. If there was no point in self defense or anything, would it matter?

I sure as heck would...what about you?

-David

[This message has been edited by dominiuno (edited July 07, 2002).]

razcow54 · Post by **razcow54** » Sun Jul 07, 2002 5:29 am

I sure as hell would. I did some thinking about this one, and yes, karate is about self defense, but it is also an art. One wouldn't stop sculpting (or painting or what have you) just because no one else would see it, or because he had no one to be better than. So why stop karate? If you love it, you can do it for the pure enjoyment of it.

[This message has been edited by razcow54 (edited July 07, 2002).]

dominiuno · Post by **dominiuno** » Sun Jul 07, 2002 5:31 am

My thoughts exactly, however, would anyone care to disagree?

-David

jorvik · Post by **jorvik** » Sun Jul 07, 2002 8:59 am

This really sounds very similar to the other thread "training alone".
I have always trained alone...its like playing a musical instrument,if you want to be any good then you have to, no question...
on the other thread that I mentioned, the consensus seemed to be either find a club or start a club...I think the majority of people might do the occasional kata and think that they still do karate...but generally I think to most it's the social aspect ,as much as anything that attracts, so I think that though people would say they would, out of every 100 you'd probably get under 10 who actually would.

dominiuno · Post by **dominiuno** » Sun Jul 07, 2002 11:19 pm

At first glance this may appear similar, but the main point is that if there was no one to fight, or no real direct application of your martial arts skills...would you still practice?

Jorvik,
Good reply, if there wasn't any social aspect, only you in a (just an example) temple, alone, would you still practice?

-David

sunsu8 · Post by **sunsu8** » Mon Jul 08, 2002 12:43 am

I would have to say no. At times there are points where you go to the dojo to let out anger from things that happened during the day and you want a bit of confidence and a possible compliment to keep you going.

Unless you purely 100% all-the-way enjoy karate that you live for it then I guess you would be the person that would. I tend to think I would, but the truth is I wouldn't. If the people that got me started in the martial arts and the ones I look up to in class and the ones I learn from and the little kids that inspire me to teach were not there, then chances are I will not either. I think that one would do it for simple mental-aspects and true enlightenment at that point and forget all aspects of self-defense and hand-to-hand combat.

~sunsu

TSDguy · Post by **TSDguy** » Mon Jul 08, 2002 1:11 am

"I think that one would do it for simple mental-aspects and true enlightenment at that point and forget all aspects of self-defense and hand-to-hand combat."

"I think the majority of people might do the occasional kata and think that they still do karate"

I agree. Without wrestling and pushing hands and reaction drills and sparring and everything else that makes martial arts what it is, you're doing rhythmic gymnastics. Kata alone is not martial arts.

Ted Dinwiddie · Post by **Ted Dinwiddie** » Mon Jul 08, 2002 3:23 am

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>

The true purpose of karate is to face yourself, strictly, with severe eyes.

-Gichin Funakoshi

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

For me, if everything else went to h*!!, there would always be something to practice and a reason to do so.

But, that's just me...

------------------
ted

"I learn by going where I have to go." - Theodore Roethke

jorvik · Post by **jorvik** » Mon Jul 08, 2002 6:08 pm

quote"Jorvik,
Good reply, if there wasn't any social aspect, only you in a (just an example) temple, alone, would you still practice?"

What you are really talking about now is the difference between "do" and "jutsu". There are many archaic and some would say useless martial arts Iado for one...if you think only in terms of self defence, of fighting you do really limit your choices...these older systems do have their value ( I believe so, anyway), but that is rather hard to define..and let us not forget karate is not that brilliant as a martial art...I've never heard of anyone, of any grade or style who could block a bullet.
There are many reasons to practise, but back to your question.
What type of temple? chinese chan? Japanese soto zen....by a quite stream or leisurely waterfall, surrounded by a green canopy of trees...on the side of a quite mountain.....Yes I guess I would.

dominiuno · Post by **dominiuno** » Wed Jul 10, 2002 2:44 am

HEY MAN DON'T DIS IAIDO

lol

I definitely see your point, but I very much agree with what Ted said, the quote from Funakoshi. I believe it was "Windsong" Blake sensei who said that in kata you should picture yourself as the person you are striking. If everyone else left.....who cares?!? Well, ok yes I would care, but as to karate, I would keep going like I was. I would miss Kumite/Bunkai, but, I'd still have kata!

-David

Ted Dinwiddie · Post by **Ted Dinwiddie** » Wed Jul 10, 2002 3:13 am

David,

I really like the idea of picturing yourself as the opponent. Of course, I have put a few bosses and coworkers and such in that position

------------------
ted

"I learn by going where I have to go." - Theodore Roethke