Karate is a way of life. It is a tool for building character. It educates those who practice it as an ascetic. It teaches them about what and how to act in life. Technically it is the martial art of self defense, Mentally it's the martial path to individual perfection. These principles should not be separate but combined into one to get the best result. Thus the karateka will grow healthy and become a being physically and mentally well-coordinated.
As being well balanced, will assign the highest value to the courtesy. We must estimate the courtesy as of paramount importance. Without courtesy, there is no essence of Karate. Without courtesy, no one can be called even if karateka has the advantage over others by its technical. This is the main reason why the practice of Karate, is performed the traditional hi at the beginning and the end. salvation is the recognition of courtesy, meaningless. Courtesy will be constantly practiced at any time of life, not just during workouts.
Courtesy is universal. It transcends nationalities, races, Equality, age and religion. We can maintain peaceful relations with each other as we show courtesy to others.
Us, karate, are all part of a universal brotherhood. We are all brothers and sisters under the name of Karate. We encounter barriers to reach a mutual understanding and mutual assistance between karate because of the means of communication differences from one nation to another. However, our sense of brotherhood will be strengthened by adherence of courtesy.
Kanei Uechi