part0018

The third method is considered the best of the three - winning without fighting. This is the stage where the warrior has full confidence in his skill level and does not need to prove it in battle, as in the case of Bokuden, Musashi, and Kanazawa. The warrior has become wise and learns to deal with confrontation in more peaceful way. It is by far the safest since no actual physical fight takes place, therefore, no possibility of losing exists. This is the ultimate skill of a warrior, as noted by the famous war strategist, Sun Tzu, “To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the ultimate skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the ultimate skill.” It is towards this level that each karate-ka should strive to achieve - to win without fighting.

If the concept of learning how to fight in karate-do and avoiding a fight in real life seems perplexing and contradictory, the answer lies in understanding the development of martial arts. Hand to hand combat and battles have been fought between human beings since the history of mankind. Peaceful existence always dictated some form of self-protection and self-defense preparation against interlopers. The most notable existence of a peaceful order always being vigilant in self-defense preparation were the Shaolin ( 少林 ) monks.

Legend has it that the Shaolin ( 少林 ) monks were originally taught exercises by Daruma Tamo, an Indian monk, in order for them to be able to sustain long periods of meditation, supposedly lasting over several hours or even days. These exercises, coupled with the study of animal movements were thought to be the beginning of the Shaolin( 少林 ) monks developing the renowned forms of martial arts, popularly known today as, kung fu ( 功夫 ) . The development of such martial arts was needed by the monks as a means of protection to fend off against unruly invaders and other intruders.

Shaolin ( 少林 ) monks were not the only ones developing mental and physical forms of martial arts during this period. Taoist priests were also creating martial methods that included internal energy called, “chi” (ki in Japanese), and credited with the development of Tai Chi Chuan ( 太極拳 ) . Women were also said to have developed styles based on efficiency of movements. Some of the more notable styles founded by women were Wing Chun and White Crane. Over time, the martial practices transcended the singular purpose of mere self-defense, being influenced by philosophical thoughts and profound study of the martial methods for enhancing mind, body, and spirit.

One of the more influential philosophical thought came from the Tao te Ching, the famous writing of the philosopher, Lao Tzu. Based on the Tao principles of the yin and yang (陰陽 ) , martial arts developed into a path for practitioners to seek a deeper understanding of balancing self-defense and self-preservation. The common misunderstanding about yin and yang (陰陽 ) is that they are two duality of opposing forces or that they are opposites. On the contrary, they are coexistent, and the basis of balance within the natural order of things. One side cannot exist without the other, just as man and woman, night and day, complement each other. More than complementing one another, the smaller circle within the yin and yang (陰陽 ) symbol signifies the importance of understanding that within each there exists its counterpart.

The yin/yang concept defines the coexistence of opposites. To understanding one is to appreciate the other. If we only experience daylight, one would not understand darkness. It is because of darkness that we appreciate and understand light. The experience of the fight, within the confines of the dojo is to understand how to win after fighting and realize the alternative to fighting. But the real fight is within us - the most formidable enemy.

The concept of learning martial arts to obtain harmonious coexistence is prevalent in all forms of traditional Asian fighting arts. When karate was first introduced to Japan from Okinawa by Funakoshi Gichin, many flocked to learn this new martial art, including some notables who had experiences in other forms of Japanese martial arts. One such notable who became one of Funakoshi’s top students was, Otsuka Hironori. Prior to learning karate from Funakoshi, Otsuka was already an exponent of jujutsu ( 柔術 ) . He would later depart from Funakoshi’s Shotokan style and form his own style called, “Wado-ryu (和道流 ) ,” literally translated as “Harmony way style.” Otsuka had a deep concern for human welfare and sought to teach the harmonious principle of heaven-earth-man through karate-do training.

“Have no regard for martial aspects (when training) but rather adhere to the way of peace (harmony and tranquility).” Otsuka’s aspiration for those who engage in any Bujutsu or Bud o .

The word, “Wa (和 ) ” is well known in Japanese culture, meaning harmony. Anyone that has either been to Japan or experienced interacting with Japanese will attest that they are the most kind and courteous people. This in fact is as a result of instilling “Wa (和 ) ” concept into the social culture of Japan. Whether in daily life or in business, conformity, unity with others, and peaceful union in society is encouraged. Regardless if you disagree with someone, harmony must be maintained.

Maintaining harmony resides within the Japanese cultural concept of honne (本音 ) and tatemae (建前 ) meaning true intention and building a front, respectively. Rather than telling the true intention at times, it is better to tell a little ‘white lies’ in public to avoid conflict. Westerner may view it as hypocrisy, but it is more of a way to maintain harmony in society. Western businesspeople not familiar with the Japanese culture are flummoxed when dealing with their Japanese counterparts. For example, when the Japanese counterpart says, “yes” to a proposed idea does not necessarily mean they agree. In the concept of honne (本音 ) and tatemae (建前 ) , the Japanese counterpart may not be in total agreement with the proposal, but rather than insult the Western businessperson, he is simply agreeing to review the proposal.

Foreigners may perceive the concept of honne (本音 ) and tatemae (建前 ) as being someone who is two-faced or simply being dishonest. In reality it is a concept that all cultures apply from time to time, especially in the modern age of being politically correct. As an example, If a friend who has been attempting to lose weight for the past few months and shows little progress ask, “Do I still look fat?” the tatemae (建前 ) response would be, “No, you look great!” To respond otherwise would be a disappointment and potentially destroy the person’s motivation to continue their quest. The difference in Japanese culture applying honne (本音 ) and tatemae (建前 ) is to maintain harmony within society, not just for an individual.

Another form of martial arts well known for its philosophical values and maintaining the concept of harmony is Shorinji Kempo ( 少林寺拳法 ) , Japanese pronunciation of Shaolin Chuan Fa ( 少林拳法 ) , literal translation is Shaolin Temple Fist Law (Fist Law implies martial art). Founded by So Doshin, who was a Japanese soldier assigned as an intelligence officer in China, learned martial principles from the Shaolin masters during World War II. Profoundly influenced by the philosophical teachings of the Shaolin Buddhism ideals, he made it his mission to revive Japan from the ravages of the war. The cornerstone of So Doshin’s teaching was to revitalize the Japanese society from the postwar with morality and compassion for others through martial arts training. Shorinji Kempo ( 少林寺拳法 ) taught the religious ideals of Buddhism, philosophical principles of life, and the technical aspects of Shaolin Chuan Fa ( 少林拳法 ) combined with the principles of Japanese budo ( 武道 ) .

Our daily lives are occupied with trying to coexist with one another. People get married to stay in harmony with each other, but in reality, the quixotic state does not exist in real life for the majority. At some point in a couple’s married life disagreements and argument will ensue. Marriage is often said to be about making compromises with your spouse, which is in concert with the give and take coexistence of the yin/yang. In this way, harmony is preserved within the relationship. The same is true in work environment amongst co-workers. Harmonious working relationship between different departments or co-workers achieves greater results than working independently or opposing each other.

“Fight fire with fire” is a common expression heard when suggestion is made to resolve a confrontation. As human beings we have heightened emotions, which sometimes dictate our response to physical or verbal abuse. Like an animal that protects its captured prey for food will naturally respond to an intruding animal by attacking. What differentiates humans from animals is the level of intelligence that the human can develop to control emotions and other factors.

But the outcome of ‘fighting fire with fire’ is one of detrimental results for both sides. Metaphorically the best way to extinguish a fire is by applying water. Therefore, why would anyone want to fight fire with more fire? It is because of the immediate emotional response, which gives the responder a false sense of control over the other person. But such emotional responses have the potential to fuel more animosity towards the recipient. If someone yells in anger, it is human nature to immediately respond by yelling back. The other possible outcome is the recipient capitulates but with heavy resentment. No amicable resolution can be realized through such action, just as there are no winners in an argument. The ability to remain calm and “fight fire with water” requires a stable emotion, which demands more courage than instinctual response. Emotional stability is a major part of the karate-ka’s training to learn how to fight without fighting in real life.

A pugilist version of ‘fighting fire with fire’ would be going toe-to-toe with your opponent. Seemingly two boxers of equal weight class in combat with neither one backing down and trading blows until eventually one comes out victorious. Muhammad Ali, the best heavy weight boxer, not only in terms of wins and losses, but as a keen strategist, understood the value of evading, and shifting in and out of his opponent instead of engaging in toe-to-toe exchanges. Ali’s infamous quote, “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” is to suggest such a strategy of elusiveness.

Such physical strategies in fighting are easily imaginable and applied. However, during verbal confrontation, majority do not consider any form of strategy in resolving conflict. The importance of understanding verbal strategy is how police hostage negotiators are able defuse potentially violent situation in a peaceful resolve with 85 to 90 percent success rate. While such negotiators are highly trained in their craft, someone without training may successfully resolve verbal confrontation by involving the thought process that redirects or approaches a potential confrontation from a different angle. Often parents do this with their children in order to avoid disappointment or simply to appease their tantrum by offering affection, dessert, or other alternative proposal.

Verbal methods of resolving conflict can be more challenging than physical confrontation. It can often result in arguments and frustration. The heightened emotions can lead to physical altercation. Often such frustrations are alleviated through some form of physical workout, meditation or other forms of diversions.

The value of training in karate-do is recognizing that the process of learning to maintain emotional stability during physical encounters is highly relevant to developing the ability to remain calm during verbal confrontations in everyday life. Learning to defeat the opponent through anger or hostility is only a temporary victory. The wisdom of learning to fight fire with water, and the art of fighting without fighting is the ultimate victory for all parties.