Читать книгу Scientific Karate Do - Masayuki Kukan Hisataka - Страница 10

Introduction

In the modern age, the progress of science has not yet fully contributed to the advancement of mankind. Our technologically oriented society has failed to free the individual to realize himself. Man is a prisoner of the machines that were designed to liberate him. Living conditions for most people have improved tremendously, but new evils have appeared. Obesity, heart disease, and nervous ailments are plaguing our societies, where many live at a frantic pace, alienated, in huge cities made of concrete and asphalt. We need to find a natural way to alleviate stress, to acquire a peaceful, relaxed mind, and develop a healthy and fit body.

Karatedo can fulfill all these needs at once. More than anything else, karatedo is a way of life. It is sometimes said, "Life is a heavy load that everyone has to carry to the top of the mountain." One has to prepare to reach this goal by building a strong body and mind. But if one is to overcome the difficulties of life, one must train hard and learn to fight. Karatedo teaches that to reach true peace of mind and harmony with nature, one must go beyond the rather narrow concept of winning and losing, and learn to win over oneself.

In the search for self-perfection, the student of karatedo will acquire the greatest virtues: patience, humility, respect for others, courage, and fortitude. It is hoped that this book can contribute to the fulfillment of some of the goals common to all mankind: health, happiness, and peace.

In the two decades that have passed since the first publication of this book, many changes have taken place in the world of karate generally and particularly for Shorinjiryu Karatedo. The development of Supersafe protective equipment has revolutionized karate training and competition as it allows practitioners to make solid contact with their strikes without the risk of serious injury to one another. This balance of realism and safety has been one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the development of karate both as a sport and as a method of self-defense. Furthermore the introduction of the Koshiki Karatedo competition system has broken the barriers that separated the different martial arts and is bringing competitors from a variety of styles together to compete and grow together through the tournament medium.

Koshiki has also brought together competitors from a variety of countries, and I hope that karate will continue to serve as a vehicle for the promotion of international exchange and friendship. It appears that at last karate will become an Olympic sport and through the efforts of Koshiki Karatedo competitors and supporters worldwide, I am sure that this is a goal we can achieve by the turn of the century.

As we enter the twenty-first century, it is with a sense of hope and excitement that I continue to promote and develop karatedo both as a sport and a way of life. I hope that by reading this and my other text, Essential Shorinjiryu Karatedo (also published by the Charles E. Tuttle Publishing Co.), that you may come to understand the many beneficial aspects of karate training and that in some way it may better your life and the lives of those around you.