Kyoshi Gamini Soysa, 8th dan Shorinryu Shorinkan

Every one learning a legitimate martial art has regular lessons in philosophy; however, they are rarely announced

as such. To appreciate these lessons, and to learn more about your particular martial art style you must first learn to

recognize a philosophy lesson.

Some of the philosophy taught by martial artists is easy to recognize and is particular to the style of the martial art

being taught. An example of this would be the philosophyof the "soft" style of martial arts. This philosophy states, among

other things, that hostile force should be redirected with a minimum of effort, saving strength for a counter attack, this is

in contrast with the philosophy of "hard" style martial arts which states that each and every attack must be punished, therefore

even defensive techniques are designed to be offensive in nature.

Another example of easily recognized philosophy can be found in martial arts such as Aikido , when attacked Aikido practioners

"show the attacker how foolish he was to have attacked".By this the Aikido practioner means that his goal is negate the attack and restrain without unnecessary harm being done to either defender or attacker.

Contrast that with the opposing martial art philosophy of "one strike", "one Kill" which found in several "hard style" martial arts

such as Shorin Ryu , Uechi Ryu, Motobu Ryu karate. On the surface , these appear to exemplify definite philosophical difference

in how one should respond to hostile aggression; however , to gain true philosophical insight, we must learn to look beyond the

obivious and seek out those philosophies that are common to many martial arts.

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Those who learn the great art of Karate ,

should help others, never seek trouble, and

refrain from fighting - Sensei Gamini Soysa