The Difference Between A Man of Do (The Way) and a Little Man

Posted on April 13, 2010 by admin • 8 Comments

Many years ago, my sensei told me a story,

A student once asked his sensei, “What is the difference between a man of Do (the way) and a little man?”

 

karate-do

Karate-do

The sensei replies, “It is simple. When the little man receives his first dan black belt, he can hardly wait to run home and shout at the top of his voice to tell everyone that he has obtained his first dan. Upon receiving his second dan, he will climb to the rooftops and shout to the people. Upon receiving his third dan black belt, he will jump in his car and parade through town blowing the horn, telling one and all about his third dan”.

The sensei continues, “When the man of Do (the way) receives his first dan, he will bow his head in gratitude. Upon receiving his second dan, he will bow his head and his shoulders. Upon receiving his third dan, he will bow at the waist and quietly walk alongside the wall so that people will not see him or notice him”.

In this materialistic world, karate-ka who follow the way, are few, but to me, the above story epitomises a good martial artisit. The older I get, the more I realise, character is everything!

Ossu

Linden Huckle

Filed Under: how to learn karate, Karate Blog, karate for beginners, karate kata, karate moves, karate philosophy, Karate tips

8 Responses to The Difference Between A Man of Do (The Way) and a Little Man

  1. Petar says:
    December 5, 2010 at 10:32 am

    OSSU! Self-stunning story and a great bow for it by me! I hope you had made up your lives with understanding and mostly, saving resources to attract many around you to get their life. This is the only way the way win.
    Ossu!

  2. Manuela Bienczyk says:
    December 20, 2010 at 12:43 pm

    I love this story!

  3. admin says:
    December 29, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    Hi Manuela,

    Yes, I agree, a great story

    Ossu
    linden

  4. Muhammed says:
    May 20, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    Read about a Man named Muhammed (May peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) (search in google – The Sealed Nectar – Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtoum -

    and you would realize what a standard of good character is…..in History, he was also listed as the Most influential person in history by a famous western writer.

    Thanks and i learned alot from your videos.
    But my religion doesnt allow me to practice bowing as this action is only for the ONE CREATOR, also use of musical instruments is Prohibited in Islam.

  5. admin says:
    May 21, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    Hi Muhammed, I will do some research on that, thanks.

    Glad you like the videos and i fully respect your views and Islam.

    Ossu
    Linden

  6. Wayne Blackman says:
    February 7, 2012 at 11:49 pm

    The real measure of a warrior is what is written in their minds and hearts.

  7. admin says:
    February 8, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    I absolutely agree :)

  8. issa says:
    February 15, 2012 at 12:20 pm

    Thanx and Am gonna keep going forward..give me some more.

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