THE ENERGY of THE GOJUKAI KARATE-DO

 The Energy of The Gojukai Karate-Do

 

Introduction

Karate-Do, born from the noble culture of Japanese society, has been developed by its founders since the era of Soke Chojun Miyagi, the founder of the Goju Ryu style. Until now, Karate-Do remains alive, thriving, rapidly evolving, and has become a part of life for communities around the world, including in our country, Indonesia.

 

Background

Karate-Do is well-known among all communities as a reflection of Japanese character and culture with its noble values, many recognize it as the value of "Bushido." Some Asian countries also share similar character and cultural values to Bushido, and many others from different parts of the world adopt and apply these noble values, which they acquire from the martial arts they learn, including Karate-Do, particularly those affiliated with the International Karate-Do Gojukai Association (I.K.G.A). They have made Karate-Do "Gojukai" a part of their daily lives, in education, work, and other aspects.

 

Through Karate-Do Gojukai, we all gain invaluable lessons, not only learning and practicing self-defense, but more importantly, we all acquire knowledge of the noble values that shape character and promote goodness.

 

Energy

In our daily lives, we often hear the word "energy," and many people seek it. Many people who feel tired or lack motivation need energy, while others find it.

 

Energy is something abstract that is difficult to prove but can be felt in its presence/benefits; with energy, we can perform various activities more easily.

 

For a karateka, energy is crucial; by regularly practicing karate, a karateka gains various positive energies that are highly beneficial in life, such as physical fitness, noble attitude as a warrior, good health, happiness, and more.

 

 

The Gojukai Energy as Martial Arts

 

As we continue to undergo regular training in Karate-Do Gojukai, day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year, we experience and benefit from various forms of energy. These energies include:

 

1. Spirit

The word "spirit" is the second weapon after determination or strong intention to engage in training with full responsibility and warrior spirit.

Spirit is something that drives/motivates us to strive, learn, and practice well, thus achieving maximum results.

 

The habit of this spirited attitude carries over into our daily lives and activities, shaping an optimistic attitude and resilience. Our trainers always shout "Spirit!"

 

2. Discipline

Discipline is the ability of an individual to control behavior originating from within, according to rules, ethics, and existing norms. Discipline is an attitude of obedience and compliance with values believed to be one's responsibility.

 

A special characteristic of Karate-Do martial  arts is "discipline," encompassing time  discipline, physical  discipline, knowledge discipline, and training discipline, all  of which are reflected in the training processes followed by a karateka in their respective dojos. Such training discipline is carried out progressively, starting from Gishiki, Junbi Undo, Kihon Waza, Kihon Ido, and  so forth, forming the mental discipline of a Gojukai karateka.

 

3. Dedication

Many karatekas understand dedication as the sacrifice/struggle of energy, time, and mind for the success of a noble endeavor or goal.

 

To achieve good  results in the process of learning and practicing, it requires power, effort, and endeavor (struggle), be it time, energy, or material resources, which are not insignificant. Therefore, we feel it necessary to preserve, nurture, and care for what we have acquired and possessed, especially the knowledge of The Gojukai Techniques (I.K.G.A).

 

4. Loyalty

Loyalty is one of the good traits that should be possessed by a Gojukai karateka, which can be applied in daily life. Loyalty is an essential component within an organization, group, or individual relationship. The essence of loyalty lies in loyalty and dedication.

 

Karate-Do Gojukai has educated and instilled the meaning of loyalty to our Gojukai  organization, to our teachers/trainers, and especially loyalty to the noble values and teachings of the Gojukai  which have significantly contributed to our growth.

 

 

"It's not us who have elevated Gojukai, but Gojukai is the one that has elevated us."

 

5. Respectful Attitude

Respectful attitude is a fundamental aspect for a karateka in achieving good results in learning and training. Gojukai always reminds and teaches us about respect, starting from the moment we enter the dojo, meet the instructor (sensei), senior/junior classmates (senpai/kohai), during traditional ceremonies (Gishiki), before starting training, Kihon, Kata, Kumite, and others, and respect has become the essence of a Gojukai karateka.

 

This respect is not only within the Gojukai family, respect – honoring – is carried and becomes a positive habit in everyday life, towards the environment, coworkers, siblings, neighbors, friends, and even opponents.

 

"Karate begins with respect, and ends with respect." 

 

In the modern sports world (official sport), three values ​​are recognized: Respect, Excellence, Friendship.

 

Respect occupies the first position, where before competing, mutual respect is shown; after competing, respect is maintained; whether winning or losing, respect is still given, so that we are judged positively, both winners and losers can remain good friends.

 

The habit of respect will make a Gojukai karateka as a person who is ethical, polite, courteous, calm, always smiling, and ultimately, we will be respected by others. Respect is the identity of a Gojukai karateka.

 

6. Hard Work

All Gojukai karatekas who have undergone consistent, continuous training over time, without knowing fatigue, without complaining, are easily recognizable by their attitude of Never Giving Up.

 

Regardless of the circumstances, a Gojukai karateka is still able to carry out and complete training tasks and responsibilities with full dedication, until completion.

 

The reflection of this hardworking attitude has become a good habit and culture, which is always carried out in everyday life while performing duties as workers, employees, teachers, police officers, doctors, and other professions.

 

"Nana korobi, ya oki" is a Japanese proverb that translates to "Fall seven times, get up eight."

 

7. Honesty and Responsibility

Honesty is a fundamental and noble trait possessed by every human being, which is a basic attitude. The honesty of a Gojukai karateka is formed through comprehensive training processes, totality, where what is said is aligned with what is done.

 

In the process of practicing jiyu kumite, regardless of the outcome, a karateka must be able to acknowledge the strengths of their opponent and their own weaknesses. Regardless of winning or losing, succeeding or failing, with great spirit, a Gojukai karateka must be able to accept and take responsibility for their achievements. They must be able to apologize for their mistakes and strive to improve even in failure.

 

8. Knightly Spirit

In many studies, the knightly spirit embodies attitudes and behaviors that demonstrate courage, honesty, loyalty, honor, and duty. The knightly spirit also means having responsibilities, tolerance, acknowledgment, forgiveness, and compassion. These values are almost never overlooked or left out from the values applied by the Gojukai organization,  all of which are depicted and realized through systematic, intelligent, and ingenious training programs, as outlined in the International Karate-Do Gojukai Association Curriculum.

 

All the energy that Gojukai has acquired through consistent, dedicated, and loyal training processes will shape a good personality for a Gojukai karateka, making him/her an excellent individual, worthy of being judged as a true Gojukai karateka.

 

In line with the development of time and the need for character education in several countries, including Indonesia, the noble values ​​of the Gojukai organization become important and valuable to be conveyed scientifically and academically, in official training/learning sessions or university courses. This has been implemented at Kusuma Negara University Jakarta, specifically in the Sports Education Program, where Gojukai Karate-Do has become a mandatory course with a study weight of 2 credits (SKS: semester credit system)  over a 6-month study period.

 

We feel grateful to able to meet, get to know, live, grow, learn, and practice within the great organization called "Gojukai"

 

Arigatou Gozaimashu "Gojukai"

 

 

Write By Eko Yulianto (Go Dan I.K.G.A – 6241)