Foreword
The knowledge inherited from the long history of Asia is compiled in this book as a collection of thoughts. This is an extremely unique book in that it expresses the form and shape of the fighting psyche and spirit through martial arts. I have never before encountered such a finely distilled book. While perusing the book, I felt I could almost touch the core of life. It is an honor for me to encounter this book and I wish to recommend it to as many people as possible. This book also revives the old classics to modernity and is a guidebook to the art of living. I believe it speaks to people from all walks of life and could serve as a good reference. Originator and teacher Kazumi Tabata is one who has been investigating the space and Zen of Karate.
Karate is a way of learning truth. The traditional skill and the truth hidden in the word “Karate” are gleaned from training. When researched using perspectives from sports psychology, religion, meditation, breathing techniques, and personal viewpoints, the way of truth is opened. This part certainly is not glossed over in the book. This book is not just about Karate, but presents a unique worldview that surpasses Karate.
Shihan Tabata trained in the Shotokan style in the Karate Club of Waseda University. After graduation, he studied under Hisao Obata (a leading student of Gichin Funakoshi) who was then at Keio Private University and was the first Chief Director of the Japan Karatedo Federation. The study of “do” in “Karatedo” and the approaches and interpretations initiated by Obata are included within this book.
Shihan Tabata was the first instructor dispatched to the U.S. in 1967, before a system for sending instructors overseas had been initiated by the Japan Karatedo Federation. He has been teaching Karatedo in various countries with a base in Boston. His excellent leadership and instruction, coupled with his broad-minded and cheerful disposition, have led him to mix and integrate well with people and communities in every country. He has been playing an active role as an international goodwill ambassador, in addition to teaching Karatedo.
We has a close friend of the late Dr. Takaichi Mano, the former Chief Director of the Japan Karatedo Federation, and served as an advisor when Dr. Mano took office as the General Secretary of the World Karate Federation.
After he was dispatched to the U.S., Shihan Tabata did not slow down the pace of his own study, but continued the in-depth research of etiquette, Okinawan Kobudo, and Zen, which makes profound his martial arts techniques and spirit.
I hold in high regard the content and passion of this publication. I sincerely hope this book will lead to the development and growth of its readers.
September 2007
Kaiichi Hasumi
Vice President and General Secretary
Japan Karatedo Federation
Preface
There are essentially two paths to enlightenment. One path is art and the other path is religion. The two paths are closely interrelated.
In terms of the martial arts, there are two training methods: one focuses on the rational aspect of training while the other emphasizes the technical aspect. The martial arts owe its origin to people’s attempts to rationally unify the mind, body, and skill. In the martial arts, truth will reveal itself once your mind gains insight into the empty nature of the world and your body masters and perfects physical techniques.
Unable to escape from life’s suffering, we continually strive to eliminate suffering. The existence of desire and hardship make our lives more worthwhile. Tantalizing clues can be found in nature, which holds the key to overcoming difficulties we encounter in our lives as well as in the martial arts. Those who manage to decipher such clues will eventually transcend their earthly desires and attain enlightenment.
I would be honored if this book could be of any help to you in uncovering the clues to understanding the essence of reality. This book, a sequel to my first book, Secret Tactics, is based on my own experience and draws largely on the writings of our predecessors. I recommend reading my first book before proceeding to this book. Further volumes are in preparation.
Gassho
Kazumi Tabata
BOOK ONE
STRATEGY
Chapter 1
Strength and Rhythm
Strength and rhythm are essential in budo (the martial arts).
Strength and rhythm are also essential in breathing, speed, force, and technique.
One who understands strength and rhythm controls others.
One who does not understand strength and rhythm is controlled by others.
Strength is the result of self-confidence.
Everything in this world has rhythm and so does life.
Rhythm opens one’s eyes to reveal the opponent’s movement.
One cannot win when the rhythm of one’s stroke is agreeable to the adversary’s stroke.
If one attacks with opposite rhythm, it will lead to an easy victory.
Obtaining rhythm depends on the quality and quantity of practice.
In order to win one should use unrhythmic strokes. One needs to train to understand and gain force and timing to attack.
Sen-ryaku
KNOWLEDGE OF MIND
Mind and technique correspond to each other.
When one’s body is active, the mind is at peace.
When one’s body is at peace, the mind is active.
Keeping physical and spiritual balance is fundamental in a fight.
One should acquire a clear and finely-honed mind to be able to hear the sound of wind and water.
When one is equipped with hard-and-fast courage and technique, one can show a flow of technique to correspond with complete control.
There should not be any doubts in technique.
One must have super-brave courage and willpower to overcome life and death in equanimity.
On the battlefield, one should not think whether the adversary is a saint or not.
One must ignore and disregard such thoughts to avoid lowering one’s guard and giving a momentary change in mind and attitude.
Temporary victory is meaningless.