"Karate Without Courtesy Is Just Violence"

by Sensei Paul Oliver

   This is an expression that has been coined by many famous Masters of the Martial Arts throughout the years. Funakoshi Sensei and Chitose Sensei were probably the most famous Martial Artist of the 20th, Century to popularize this phrase. The question is, why did they use this phrase, what is it's real meaning, and how does it apply in today's society? Many Sensei's use this phrase within their dojo's, and preach it in their philosophies of life, but does everyone understand what it really means? I do not profess to be any kind of expert in Budo Philosophy, but I do possess many years of training, teaching and competition throughout the world, and I can share that knowledge which has been taught to me, and what I have observed. During my Martial Arts career, I have had the opportunity to have many conversations and classes with O'Sensei Chitose, and many other high ranking Karate Masters in Japan and other countries. Their interpretations vary in some respects, but they all agree on the common principals of courtesy, respect, and the spirit within. [Spirit of the Warrior]. Now I will try to give you a perspective of what I have learned and perceived about this phrase.

   As this is the 21st. century where technology is the way of life, society has a much different outlook on things. Morals have changed, respect is a word used by the older generation, and courtesy is a word that you find in the dictionary to get it's real meaning. If you look in this wonderful book you will see definitions such as:

Consideration, cooperation, generosity, providing, civil, politeness, mannerly, gallant, chivalrous, avoidance of rudeness, the act of being courteous, and finally to "have respect and consideration of others"

   By many of our Masters, if you lack these, you are not following the path that they intended. As one can see from the above definitions of courtesy, our Sense's taught by a very stringent code, which by today's standards has been lost in many dojo's. How many karate-ka today live up to this standard? How many Sensei's? It is obvious to me that a lot has been lost because of tournaments, the generation gap, commercialization of clubs for the almighty dollar and too much leniency in adhering to these principals. Sport Karate breeds a whole new breed of karate-ka that lives by a different set of rules and mannerisms. This is not true in all cases, but more so in the Western Hemisphere.

   About 8 years ago, I was at a clinic with a Senior Japanese Instructor, who was having a conversation with another Sensei & myself. In the middle of our conversation, a brown belt insistently wanted to speak to his Sensei about his pending grading with the Senior Japanese Sensei. I personally thought he was being very rude in interrupting, and apparently so did the Senior Japanese Instructor. When the students Sensei finished his conversation with him, he left. The Sensei then turned to the Senior Instructor and apologized for his student's interruption as he just wanted information about his pending grading. The Senior Japanese Sensei turned to me and the students Sensei and made one statement, "he has no courtesy, no respect and no grading". He immediately turned around and walked away. This was not that long ago, but it displayed to me the expected behaviour and the consequences of not having the proper qualities. I have seen many other similar displays by some very prominent Martial Artist in Japan, and respect their views. We do not live in Japan, and would probably have a major dispute in North America if it took place here, but one undeniable fact remains that it is the "Philosophy and the Way" of the Art [sport] that we have chosen to train. I believe in the spirit of the Art, and try to uphold the teachings that I have personally been taught, and pass them on to my students.

   When we go back to our good book, the dictionary, the interpretative meanings of violence are;

A physical exertion of physical force so as to injure or abuse, Distortion, infringement or profanation. Intensity, furiousness, or destructiveness. Discordant- [dis-agreeing & quarrelsome].

Overly excited or mentally disordered to the point of losing self-control.

   Now that we can see just what violence is, and what courtesy is, it is easy to ascertain why the Masters coined the phrase, "Karate without courtesy, is just violence". Japanese Martial Arts are based on the teachings of Budo, of which the first Ideal of "Bu" is to "Prohibit Violence", even though Bu means Military or Warrior.

   So the next time you read, hear or say this phrase, think hard at the understanding that is intended, and how it applies to you. The " Warriors Way" is to be courteous, but it is easy to lose yourself and become violent, so choose carefully. Learning Karate skills is only half the challenge. How you present yourself to your Seniors, friends, family, students, work, etc. and apply these skills makes up the rest.

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