If you had asked me 4 years, 3 months and 26 days ago what I thought karate was about my answer would simply have been; "fighting." Luckily, since my start in American Kenpo I have come to find that karate is much more that fighting. In fact to deduce karate to merely "fighting" seems extremely prehistoric in my opinion.
I am very much a nerd; I enjoy reading, studying and learning about the philosophies that come with training to be a martial artist as well as the physical aspects. I believe that the sayings and the belt pledges are my favorite parts of studying Kenpo. I feel they truly capture what Kenpo is about. The Purple Belt Pledge is my focus for this particular blog entry. I'm going to break it down by sections and discuss my opinions accordingly.
"I hold the Art of Kenpo sacred"
These seven words speak volumes; Kenpo isn't something to be tossed around, Kenpo is not a party trick. Kenpo is a fascinating and deadly Art that should be treated with the utmost of respect.
"and freely take upon myself the obligation and responsibility that I should never misuse my skill to hurt or make afraid."
This is not the pledge of an instructor but of a Purple Belt student. The student at this rank is expected no not only understand but practice the belief that Kenpo is not to be used as a means to bully or intimidate. I feel this translates the same in all Art forms. We do not train so that we may use our Art to entice fights or arguments, or to frighten others into submission.
"I shall fight only if forced to defend myself"
Here it is spelled out clearly as possible, Kenpo is a self defense system. It is intended for use ONLY when there is no other alternative present. "only if forced" cannot be stressed enough.
"and I shall be slow to anger, loath taking offense, quick to forgive and forget personal affront."
This last section speaks of mindset. Forming the attitude of a Kenpoist. I personally believe this is the most difficult of all. This speaks of overcoming yourself, and bringing yourself to a higher level of thinking, which in turn will affect your actions.
I've had some situations occur during my time so far training in Kenpo that have caused me to stop and consider the things that I have learned thus far. Last night was one of those instances of reflection. My mind wanted me to think on the pledges I had made throughout my journey up to this point and Purple Belt's struck the deepest inspiration this time.
Kenpo not only teaches me how to defend myself in a physical situation; but it also teaches me how to hold myself to a higher standard. There is so much more to learning karate that just punches and kicks, so much more indeed.
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