Lifestyle Karate – Part 2


The invisible bond – The way of life!

In Japan, they have a concept called Giri (duty, sense of duty, honor, decency, courtesy)

Giri is an invisible thread, a bond that connects important parts of our lives. This could be the relationship between teacher and student, or the relationship between two friends, or the relationship between wife and husband, etc.
Giri is always two-way, which means that the relationship between the parties goes both ways. Giri is mutual trust, loyalty, and commitment to each other.

Trust, loyalty and commitment are also the code for one’s further development within Karate-Do. Once you have chosen a club, and the club has chosen you, the mutual commitment will start.

You should be loyal and trust your instructor. Only when this is present, the basis for immersion within Karate will be possible. This opens the way for Karate as a sport to become a way of life. Your instructor now has the opportunity to lead you to a deeper understanding of the many aspects of Karate. You will eventually develop as a whole human being both mentally and physically.

Lifestyle Karate – Part 1


After practicing Karate for many years, it becomes a part of one’s life. Thus, Karate is no longer a physical sports discipline, as it was at the beginning. Karate becomes a lifestyle as time goes by. It’s like a drug! You will become addicted to it.
Many factors have influenced my Karate before it evolved into a lifestyle. In the following, I will give my opinion on lifestyle Karate.

What is the lifestyle in Karate?

You often hear the term “Do” in connection with Karate and other styles (Judo, Aikido, Kendo, etc.).
“Do” means way, and this is where I think the main emphasis should be placed when talking about Karate and other martial arts.
By following the way “do” over many years, where loyalty and trust in the instructor and the style of Karate that has been chosen, the opportunity for lifestyle Karate will begin to open up. Furthermore, “do” also means “the way to reach the goal”.

What is the goal in Karate?

The long-term goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the many aspects of Karate, resulting in a fusion between the physical and the mental side, so that one can develop as a whole human being.