In addition to learning the techniques and skills of karate, Okinawan Martial Arts also teaches important life skills such as respect, discipline, self-confidence, manners, and good conduct. Especially for school-aged students but also for adults, the following life skills serve as important lessons that will be forever valuable to the student:
- Confidence building
- Listening and communication
- Avoiding conflicts
- Conflict resolution
- Dealing with bullies (at school and at work!)
- Community involvement
- Teamwork
- Taking responsibility
- Respect
- Good sportsmanship
- Managing peer pressure
Karatedo no Kokoro e – The Heart of Karate
This section of the curriculum is guided by a set of principles called Karatedo no Kokoro e. Loosely translating to The Heart of Karate, Karatedo no Kokoro e was written by Chōshin Chibana, the founder of the Shorin-ryū karate style taught at Okinawan Martial Arts.
The Karatedo no Kokoro e principles are:
- Through physical training one can cultivate the mind
- Avoid unnecessary fights; martial arts are to defend against unexpected calamities
- Maximum effort
- Courtesy
- Chivalry