What is the difference between self-defense and a Japanese Martial Art?
When acting in self-defense, you are acting in your own interest. You, yourself, are the subject to be protected. This, of course, is instinctive and easy to do. When practicing a Japanese martial art, someone else or something greater than yourself is the subject to be protected. This means you must have an altruistic love of others as preached by Christianity and other religions, instead of just an egotistical love for yourself. This is the Gedatsu of Buddhism which means “getting out of yourself.” Which is better? In fighting (not only physical competition, but commercial and mental competition as in business, school, etc.) if you think first about your own personal safety or well-being, you will worry and wonder what to do. Often you cannot make a decision properly or quickly and will miss the good chances. But if you deny your existence in this world and act for love (your honor, loved ones, country, people, etc.) you will be decisive and be able to focus great power. The word Kar
