Humility

Humility

As a student at FMK karate we are asked to look back each year and reflect upon some of the things that have happened over the course of the year and put things into perspective. Probably the most important thing I have learned from my Karate education this year was the importance of humility. Humility or humbleness is a quality of being courteously respectful of others. It is the opposite of aggressiveness, arrogance, boastfulness, and vanity. Rather than, "Me first," humility allows us to say, "No, you first." Humility is the quality that lets us go more than halfway to meet the needs and demands of others.

Humility is probably one of the most valuable things that can allow a student to embrace karate as a way of life. A demeanor of humility is exactly what is needed to live in peace and harmony with all persons. It heightens our sense of self awareness. Humility dissipates anger and heals old wounds. Humility allows us to see the dignity and worth of all people. Humility distinguishes the wise leader from the arrogant power-seeker. This is the truth behind Gichin Funakoshi’s ideal goal of self perfection through the study of karate.

Funakoshi stated, "When the man of Tao receives his first dan, he will bow his head in gratitude. Upon receiving his second dan, he will bow his head and his shoulders. Upon receiving his third dan, he will bow to the waist and quietly walk alongside the wall so that people will not see him or notice him". The Buddhists refer to this concept as “Dao” or the” Beginners mind.” It is essential for any great spiritual journey like the one that the study of Shotokan karate requires.

Often students take for granted all of the things that have been given to them and forget their place. They can become arrogant or overconfident and loose site of their goals. It is imperative to not forget where you began. Can you remember what it was like as a beginner? As a white belt we practice with the “beginners mind” ready to learn and try new things. As experienced students we cannot allow ourselves to be stuck in an endless loop thinking that we have accomplished everything there is to learn.

I can remember how great it felt to be given a first degree black belt and allowed to take responsibilities for leading exercises and helping other students. I felt so accomplished almost as if I could do anything. As time has passed I now understand that I have a life time of learning ahead. Great achievements are learning experiences that are just as important as failures or errors. They give us the experience to move forward and move to higher levels of understanding. The truth is I am still just beginning even as a second degree black belt.

With this in mind I hope that all students at FMK karate will enter the new year with a “beginners mind”, humble and ready to learn and grow as both people and students of karate. I would like to thank everyone at FMK who is an active part of our dojo. I will strive to grow and achieve and retain the “beginners mind” in the upcoming year. Thank you all much, especially Sensei, I have learned so much from everyone. I love my FMK. Happy holidays and have a wonderful new year.