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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.
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- But getting where I am took
more than just my families support.
-
- It took living a balanced
life.
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- So I say to you, "above all else,
learn to live a balanced life".
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- For me that meant truly
realizing what was most important and then prioritizing.
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- 1. Always family
first.
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- 2. Then your health.
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- 3. Then your work.
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- 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.
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- 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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