The benefits of Traditional Karate Training

Colleen Matthews, Taki Dojo, Canada

Even though karate was developed over a hundred years ago, still today the same principals have been passed down from generations. Some of which are very important and are needed in life to be successful. The three principals that I think are the most important that I will be sharing with you are self-discipline, respect and perseverance.

To have self-discipline is great gift. You need it almost every day. Self-discipline means to have control over ones self; self-control. In karate that means not giving up if you think it is hard, knowing when to push you self and when it is appropriate to be silly. Having this can also help you at work, school and even at home.

Respect is something you will need everywhere whether it's in the dojo or out. Respect in the dojo includes bowing to anyone you work with, paying attention and listening to Sensei along with any Sempai and not goofing off. If you are respectful towards others and they will respect you back. This plays a big role in our society today whether going for a job interview or simply talking to someone. Showing respect to everyone is a way to make more friends.

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. The same applies to karate. Even if something gets difficult to keep up with or you just can't remember/understand how to do it, persevere. To preserve is to never give up, as said in Dojo Kun. Perseverance is a very had thing to do because it is usually easier to give up/in. If you want to truly train your mind and body you must preserve and push yourself to new lengths.