For years, it has been well documented the profound effect that karate has on strengthening the human spirit. While there are countless ways karate manages to achieve this, I believe it firstly unfolds with the word “hai”.

The response of “Hai” is explained to us upon our first introduction to karate. On a generic level, we are told that throughout the dojo, a unanimous sound of “Hai” is required before any movement is performed. This is important so that our instructor can see that everyone is clear on the instructions given and ready to start. While this is essential to the smooth and efficient running of a class, its value lies deeper than this.

Developing an appreciation of “Hai”
 

“Hai” works on an individual level.
On an individual level, every time we respond, we are making an undeniable promise to our sensei, our classmates and most importantly to ourselves that whatever we are about to do, we will do it with all of our spirit. “Hai” should always be said with strength. It should resound from within us with the same strength that we intend our technique to echo. The promise we are making to ourselves is that we will expand our limits with every movement, cultivating the spirit, and training the body to always ascend to new heights.

“Hai” works on a communal level.
On a communal level, by having a collective, unified response, it raises the spirits of the entire class. While karate is primarily an individual pursuit, it allows the class to draw energy and inspiration from one another.
 

“Hai” is all positive.
We never say “no” in the dojo, simply because there is no limit to what we can do and who we can become once we bow into class. “Hai” is all positive. It therefore never allows negative thoughts to creep into our mind and infect what we are trying so hard to achieve.  When something is difficult, we still respond with “Hai” (Yes), meaning we activate the resourceful part of our brain - we find a way to make it work.

“Hai” internalises.
“Hai” is a personal oath that can never be taken lightly. The ‘Martial Way’ is not hollow or empty, as karate-ka we must give great thought to all the lessons that are on offer to us. The deeper those lessons run the more fluid and natural our technique becomes. The word “Hai” has a very important part to play concerning internalisation. It gives you a strong and very direct focus. When practiced correctly, one has no thought of self-consciousness, no ego, and no self-doubt. Only one thought exists - to do your utmost.

“Hai” embraces challenge.
Most importantly, “Hai” internalises the power of the challenge. We all train hard for the challenge of one-day being able to master karate and master ourselves. When our legs are burning and all we want to do is come out of stance for even a moment’s relief. When our mind begins to encourage us to quit, our instructor will say “sink down lower and hold your stance for a few more seconds”. With all of our will, we reply as strong as we can, “Hai!”  We realise that our instructor sees strength in us, a potential that we cannot yet see within ourselves. So we say ‘yes’ to the challenge. Herein lies the reason for our strengthened spirit, for human life only gains luster and strength when it is polished and tempered.

Sensei Ben Walden
Regional Instructor - United Kingdom