Karate for the soul!

Pinch has a black belt in karate. I love to hear him talk about the training he underwent so many years back. He learnt a highly traditional form of karate that placed emphasis on restraint and discipline. The warm up sessions were intense, the pairing in fights was almost random, the practice sessions were gruelling. However, to me, his training exemplifies ‘Peaceful Warrior’. For instance, while fighting, any kind of anger or aggression was thoroughly frowned upon. You could not hurt your partner while fighting and if you did, you were the one who was penalised. This routine is so unlike anything I have heard of in the Western sports; it is truly unique to the Oriental martial arts. Your presence of mind has to be bang-on – alertness, calm, non-aggression. It’s like a state of meditation – restful and alert. And how do you come up as a winner? You fight such that your opponent has to surrender; no other option remains. Size is of no consideration; Pinch ended up fighting with people much older/senior than him. ‘Not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog that matters’ – yes. You have to completely be in the present moment – no fear, no anger, no aggression. What motivates you? Certainly none of the emotions above.

It’s perfect training to be here fighting our battles, little ones and the big ones. With a smile, with not a trace of anger or fear, where you really have to look out for your opponent as well – indescribably beautiful.