The way of karate
One of my first and favorite trainings has been Shotokan karate. Especially when Nele was teaching it – more tradition, less contact-combat. I think karate helps you focus, get into your center, be more attentive and balances nicely the energy levels. Going through my materials, I found the pictures, certificates and a dojo code we had to read out loud every time the training started when I was going to the trainings in Bergen. I had forgotten that this dojo code is something we all should follow in our lives. Here it is:
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| Dojo code in Shotokan karate |
Dojo kun in Shotokan karate
– Perfect your character
– Respect others
– Be faithful
– Avoid violent behavior
– Cultivate the spirit of endurance
- Each person must strive for the completion and perfection of one’s character
- Each person must be faithful and protect the way of truth
- Each person must endeavor (fostering the spirit of effort)
- Each person must respect others and the rules of etiquette
- Each person must refrain from violent behavior (guard against impetuous courage)
Living by those rules, I think one can have a peaceful time in this world and the world itself can turn into a nicer place.
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| Estonian karate students at camp |
After 12 years, the muscle memory is still there
I went to karate training first in 2002 in Tartu. Then some few months in Bergen. Then I stopped. Now, after 12 years, I am back doing Shotokan karate in Tartu. Different trainer, though. It is interesting to feel how the muscle memory is still there, though, the same mistakes as well. Then again, thriving for perfection is ingrained in the karate-way, a perfection in your character and physical skills for themselves, not for anyone else. For me this is a perfect way to find that inner strength that one needs. I agree, that we all need some kind of belief (If god wouldn’t exist, we would need to invent it). Karate gives me that belief and guidelines for a worthy life.
Walking lifestyle – for keeping you fit, mentally and physically
Don’t forget we all need time-off from our daily lives. Walking is the easiest and accessible thing to do that. Go out for a walk, share your thoughts and inspirations in Walking lifestyle Facebook. My aim is to show how easy it is to find little walks, little time-off-chunks in life to keep you mentally and physically fit. Wherever you are.
Have questions about walking lifestyle?
Drop me a line at liisitoom(at)gmail.com.
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What I do when I am not walking: counselling on PR and personal branding.