The following is an essay from the JKA website

Forging a Karate Mind

Karate is not a game of points, weight classes or showy demonstrations.

It is a martial art and way of life that trains a practitioner to be peaceful; but if conflict is unavoidable, true karate dictates taking down an opponent with a single blow.

Such an action requires strength, speed, focus, control. But these physical aspects are only part of the practice; they are just the vehicle, not the journey itself.

True karate is based on Bushido.

In true karate, the body, mind and spirit – the whole person – must be developed simultaneously.

Through kihon, kumite and kata we learn to control our movements. But more importantly, we learn to give up control too.

We can perform the techniques without thinking about them, and remain focused without having to concentrate on any one thing.

In essence, the body remembers how to move and the mind remembers how to be still.

This harmonious unity of mind and body is intensely powerful. Even the greatest physical strength and skill is no match for the power of wholeness.

The result of true karate is natural, effortless action, and the confidence, humility, openness and peace only possible through perfect unity of mind and body. This is the core teaching of Zen, the basis of Bushido,and of the JKA’s karate philosophy.