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What does that mean... that "There is no first attack in Karate"?
It's the second principle developed by Funakoshi...
I am reminded of a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson...
"When a resolute young fellow steps up to the great bully, the world, and takes him boldly by the beard, he is often surprised to find it comes off in his hand, and that it was only tied on to scare away the timid adventurers".
Ralph Waldo Emerson US essayist & poet (1803 - 1882)
You see, to me, it means that a true Karate-ka does not impose himself on his fellow man or the world for that matter...
...but if he/she is attacked and has to defend themselves, they will do so, and with the correct response, be it words or fists.
Karate is a way, a way of dealing with threats, to oneself, ones family and the innocent.
Often, like Ralph says, all's that's really needed is the courage to take a stand...
...Karate teaches the practictioner to take that stand.
Once a person understands this reality, it is virtually impossible to be an aggressor towards another human being or the world.
That's the way I see it anyway...
RJF
