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THE
PROPER ORDER OF THINGS
Getting
it right
Throughout time, man’s
need to defend himself from external forces, is as old as
man himself.
It is this universal
desire to walk away alive, if not unscathed, from a
violent personal conflict, that for many ancient cultures
hastened the need for a system of self defence.
Over time these systems
included not only the use of weapons, but also empty
handed techniques. In either case, these methods would
finally be refined until they were not only very
practical to use, but also until they could easily be
taught to others, and thereby handed down from one
generation to the next.
- Today, however,
while self defence is still a consideration, the vast
majority of students seldom study karate just to learn
the deadly skills found within each style, but instead
they study karate as an art form.
-
- Today
the art of Shotokan karate stands at the pinnacle of that
evolutionary process.
-
- Now those
students who approach their karate in this manner, and
who remain dedicated to the journey, will in the long run
come to learn that there are many added benefits, often
unexpected, that will enter into their daily lives as a
result of their karate training.
-
- I for one know this to
be true.
-
- After having trained in
the art of Shotokan karate for more than 26 years, I tell
you in all honesty that I have been changed for the
better in more ways than I can ever describe as a result
of my involvement in karate. I would not, however, be
where I am today without the undying support of my wife,
and the other members of my family.
-
- For this I will always
be eternally grateful to them.
-
- I hope that the same
thing can also be said for you.
-
- But getting where I am
took more than just my families support.
-
- It took living a
balanced life.
-
- So I say to you, "above all
else, learn to live a balanced life".
-
- For me that meant truly
realizing what was most important and then prioritizing.
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- 1. Always family
first.
-
- 2. Then your
health.
-
- 3. Then your work.
-
- 4. After these three
things then karate, friends, or anything else, in any
order you like.
-
- But
always family first.
-
- In the end it is
paramount for you to remember that on your journey down
the karate road it is not the destination that is
important, it is what you do on the journey that matters.
But I assure you, you can not make that journey alone.
-
- So always treat all the
members of your family regardless of age, with courtesy
and respect. If you do they will always be there for you
when you need them.
-
- Always look after your
health. One body, one life. So watch what you eat and
drink, along with everything else you do.
-
- Always do your best in
your chosen profession. Since you never settle for less
than your best in the dojo, never settle for less than
your best at work. In both cases you will always be
rewarded for your effort in the end.
-
- And lastly always treat
your friends, your karate, and everything else you do
with the same respect and courtesy that you give to your
family. If you do you will never lack for true friendship
or anything else for that matter.
-
- If you follow these
simple rules, and always keep them in your heart, then
you will be well on your way to having a balanced life,
and as a result a much more rewarding journey down the
karate road.
-
- Remember
- "You
can not have balance in your body, in your mind, in your
spirit, or in any
- other
aspect of your world, if you do not first have balance in
your family life".
-
- Part
the clouds - see the way.
-
- "The
objective of karate-do is to contribute to the evolution
- of
the human spirit through physical and mental training."
- Sensei
Peter Lindsay
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