Karate for Kids and for Mom and Dad, Too

渋み Shibumi Shibumi is a Japanese word which refers to a particular artistic of simple, subtle, and modest beauty. Like other Japanese artistic terms, Shimubi can apply to a wide variety of subjects, not just art or fashion. O.Sensei says that Shibumi can also apply to the martial arts. By using the principles of Shimubi may describe as one of beauty and understanding the principle of living in perfect harmony with everything about us. O’Sensei philosophy or teachings are entwined with righteous behavior as a karate-ka as well as a human being. O’Sensei applies the basic principles of Shibumi into a basic law for his young students to follow. This Law is repeated daily during the opening of a class session. He calls this: The Law of Shibumi Family O’Sensei explains that Family is the first and most important asset a student should consider. By nurturing the importance of the parents/student relation it simply engrains and motivates the student’s consciousness. The student respects this law by simply showing his deep love and respect for his parents. He begins to believe that family is nurturing his complete existence. School With the nurturing of family his duty is to consider the importance of school. He is required to recognize the importance of an education. He realizes his upcoming future when mom and dad are no more. His only comfort is to depend on his profession through his years of school. He will also become a parent someday and he will pass on these important precepts to his children. Karate The student learns that he must take care of his body through healthy conditioning. He may choose other physical conditioning practices. They may play football or tennis. They might take up golfing or fencing. However since he is being thought the principles in a martial art environment they may choose the latter. “How does the student achieve the Law of Shibumi?” O’Sensei says that the student does not achieve it, he . . . discovers it. “Meaning that one must learn a great deal to arrive at shibumi?” “Meaning, rather, that one must pass through knowledge and arrive at simplicity.”