What is Karate-do? The 'do' part. What is meant by correct Karate spirit? Karate-do means The Way of Karate. The fruits of Karate are as follows - patience, courtesy, respect, endurance, determination, faith, inner security and loyalty.

If I am able to smash tiles and boards but do not have Karate do, I have made the sound of a noisy gong or clanging symbol. If I can execute a perfect reverse punch and know all the Karate formalities and traditions and if I have enough energy to remove mountains, but do not possess Karate do, I do not know Karate.

If I sell my karate Gi and karate books to feed the poor and ifI die at the dojo because of over training and exhaustion and appear to be a Karate martyr, but do not have Karate do - it profits me nothing.

Karate do is patient. It is caring for your fellow students. It is not jealous of their success or rank. Karate do does not show off and is not arrogant.

Karate do does not act unbecoming, does not promote selfishness, is not provoked, does not have to get back at someone who has wronged it. Karate do does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.

Karate do can take the pressure of anything, is very trusting, is optimistic of all things and endures all things. Karate do never fails, but if your sparring is very good it will weaken and your strength in kicking will decline in old age. Your memory of Kata may fall away as you grow old.

For we are limited in our physical Karate skills.

As we humble ourselves and strengthen our Karate spirit. The physical karate skills become less important, even though it was our jealous physical training that helped to develop our Karate spirit in the first place.

Kancho Robert Sullivan

Founder and Chief Instructor