Karate and Ethical Decision Making

Karate and Ethical Decision Making

There are often times that we are faced with a situation where we have to make difficult choices. These decisions impact our lives and those around us. We are faced with choices everyday that can occur at any moment. As students of Karate, we learn to be consciously aware of our environment and learn to expect the unexpected.


In a controlled environment like our dojo, we practice karate not only for self defense but also to improve the moral and ethical quality of our lives. We look to the teachings of the Samurai as they faced death on a daily basis and made life giving and taking decisions that were ruled by compassion. This passage from Masayuki Shimabukro’s book- Flashing Steel explains this in detail:


Compassion is the spark that motivates the Samurai to take the correct action in a situation. He sees an event not only from his perspective and how it may affect him, but how the event will shape the lives of everyone involved. Furthermore, he sees it with understanding and compassion for all those affected, so that his action will be not what is best for him, but what will be best for society as a whole.

The Samurai does not view the feelings, actions, or desires of others as “right” or “wrong.” Therefore, his judgment is not clouded by a need to prove himself right. Nor does the Samurai have to overcome the natural hesitancy of another person to admit he or she is wrong. Instead, the Samurai is only concerned with what has greater value.
Thus, in a disagreement, the Samurai sees the views of others only as alternatives, and he is able to see which of these alternatives has the most value to society, weather it is his own preference or not. With this approach it is far easier to persuade others to accept the best choice as well. pg. 36-37

Disagreements and situations that can lead to conflict can be handled effectively with compassion as a guideline. In an argument we often make the best effort to get our point across, but there are times when we need to see the greater value of compassion and consequences of our actions. This way we can resolve the issue with a positive outcome.

It may seem easy to be greedy or selfish and let our own impulsive passions rule the decisions we make. It is important to stop and think about what we are doing. We should make a choice that will help others and even leave a lasting impact or positive outcome. When it comes to the safety of ourselves and those around us it is crucial to make the best and informed choice we can.

In a conflict there is always an alternative. We defend ourselves only if someone does not let us walk away. We strive to make choices that that are governed by compassion and understanding. These decisions may be difficult they must be made with the intention to help to better society as a whole.

Karate exists to promote justice, not to force power over others for personal gain. The next time you are forced to make a tough choice consider all of the elements involved, then make an informed choice that is based on the good of all those involved. This decision tends to be the right or best choice that will lead to a positive outcome.