Soke Grand Master Haruyoshi Yamada 9th Dan
The man in the arena
                                                                                                                                                                          
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

Sensei Tsutomo Kamohara 8th Dan

Budo Karate by 8th dan Tsutomo Kamohara

The way of karate is an education. Through the constant study of the art we can expect remarkable results mentally and physically and, most of all, spiritually. The genuine karateka must have a high level of technique and should at all times act with dignity.  The karateka must possess a strong spirit and must never lose their composure. It is important to show respect to other people through our acts and words.  It is particularly important to be attentive to the needs of others and to communicate with them in a pleasant manner.   In this way they will feel that it is a pleasure to talk with you.   In their eyes you will appear honourable and a person of pleasant character.   People will not speak badly of you and, if a time comes when you need help, there will always be somebody there to help you.  Through your actions you will have earned respect and you will be respected. To live in a society that is pleasant and less stressful it is necessary to have respect for others without expecting a reward.  Our reward will be to live in a pleasant and peaceful society. Through the diligent study of budo we can attain the skills necessary for leading a pleasant and less stressful life. The highly graded karateka must lead by example, even in small ways that we do not generally pay attention to.  For example, when going on to the tatami, they arrange the sandals or, if there is garbage, they pick it up.   They must be sensitive to things that are usually not noticed in everyday life. The highly graded karateka should be a guiding light.   There are many people who are “lost in the dark” because they do not listen to what their elders teach them, and, because they do not listen, their knowledge is limited ad therefore they remain “in the dark”. Elders give advice based on their experience for younger people to reflect upon.  The value of our existence, as an instructor, is that we can give good advice to younger people through the teachings of budo. Currently there are many karateka who do not possess these riches of budo karate and if we, as instructors, do not do anything about it we can never pass on the original meaning of budo.  (Grades cannot be awarded for technique alone). The Shito-Ryu Shukokai Union is a world wide organisation and is therefore an ideal way to spread these teachings. We should also be willing to learn from the good customs of other countries with different cultures.