Chapter 9. Preparation

(Martial Art: Preparation)

The most important part begins even before you put your hand on the sword.

Jyoseishi Kendan By Matsura Seizan (1760–1841) [9.1]

In the martial arts, the discipline required to learn new skills carries virtually the same weight as the skills themselves. Every martial arts treatise sets forth both the underlying philosophy and the rigorous steps required to achieve mastery. The learning progression of karate is marked by the graduated color coding of the uniform belts. Beginners get a white belt; masters get the coveted black belt. It takes years of disciplined preparation and repetition to ascend through all the levels, and only the best practitioners attain the highest level. Learning to answer ...

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