The Perfection of Character: A Code for the Modern World

Wednesday, October 5, 2011 by C. Michial Jones

We often hear the phrase “The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” While Gichin Funakoshi made this sentiment famous, it is a thread that runs through the teachings of every great master, from Miyagi to Nagamine. Even in our own lineage, Glenn R. Keeney has echoed this truth:

“In our society today, it seems principles and honor are things to be toyed with…right or wrong; emotions to be decided by the individual on the basis of what benefit themselves. We, as Karate-ka, should strive to overcome these weaknesses…only by putting principles and honor before the fear of death can we truly live life.

In a modern society that often feels rude, impulsive, and governed by self-interest, these words are more than just dusty slogans—they are a survival guide for the spirit.

The Struggle for Principles

As Karate-ka, we train our hands to be strong and our bodies to be resilient. Yet, if we do not train our character with the same intensity, we are merely learning how to be more efficient bullies.

In today’s world, it has become acceptable for people to lose control of their emotions, to assault others verbally over minor slights, and to discard honor for the sake of temporary benefit. We are taught that “right and wrong” are whatever we feel in the moment. Traditional Karate stands in direct opposition to this trend. We are called to be people of honor, even when—especially when—it is inconvenient.

I am by no means a perfect person. I have made mistakes. But I try. I strive to live an honest life that would make my parents and grandparents proud. My wife often tells our children: “If you wouldn’t do it in front of your mother, you probably shouldn’t do it.” It is a simple, effective test. If we lived our lives with the awareness that those we respect were always watching, how much cleaner would our conduct be?

The Small Double Axe: A Path of Eight Steps

In 1990, Glenn Keeney presented me with the Small Double Axe Award. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp its weight; I only knew it was a rare honor within our dojo. I was later given the award twice more—once by my father and once by its founder, Mr. Phillip Koeppel.

The “Axe” is rooted in the “Four Noble Truths” and the Noble Eightfold Path. While many see these as religious tenets, for the martial artist, they function as a map for being a “Good Person.” Unlike commandments that are enforced from the outside, the Path is a ladder of internal mastery.

The Eightfold Path for the Martial Artist

1. Right Understanding: Knowing the reality of your situation and the consequences of your actions.
2. Right Purpose: Aspiring toward growth and self-betterment, not just physical dominance.
3. Right Speech: Avoiding gossip, slander, and lies that poison the dojo and the community.
4. Right Behavior: Following the five precepts—including the refusal to kill, steal, or succumb to intoxicants that cloud the mind.
5. Right Livelihood: Engaging in work that is honorable and conducive to a peaceful society.
6. Right Effort: The exercise of willpower in the face of laziness or ego.
7. Right Awareness: Constantly examining one’s own behavior and tracing mistakes back to their root cause.
8. Right Meditation: Pondering deep truths to find clarity and stillness.

The Balance of Training

I still spend my days hitting the makiwara. I still drill kata, bunkai, and two-person sets until my body is exhausted. We must be proficient; we must be capable of defending our lives. But I believe it is equally important—if not more so—to train the mind to be honorable.

If you heed the words of the Dojo Kun and walk the Eightfold Path, you become a true Karate-ka. You become someone who can lift those who have fallen, regardless of how low they have been cast. That is the true power of the Art.