Since the beginning of time, human beings have learned and practiced fighting skills for ultimate survival and supremacy. Martial arts however go far beyond physical skills, as through control of the body they aim at control of the emotions and the mind. There is no serious training of martial arts without dedicated work on energy (Ki in Japanese, Chi in Chinese, Prana in India and vital breath in the West). Our training focuses on the circulation of energy throughout the physical body.
Speaking of the Shotokan Tiger symbol Sensei Frank Nowak, 7th Dan Chief Instructor of Shotokan Karate International Australia (SKIA), once said:
“I have been asked by a good number of people about the symbolism of the Shotokan Tiger. The Tiger symbol stands for the strength and power of Karate-Do and the circle represents the self-discipline which controls that power. The philosophy of Karate-Do demands that the more powerful and effective our karate turns out to be, the more important the mental control over that power becomes. This philosophy must be reflected in the teaching of our Karate. The most obvious example of that teaching philosophy can be seen in the teaching of Kumite with Zanshin Shotokan where we have a powerful execution of Karate-waza followed by breathing technique which simultaneously includes a mental control exercise.”
What is the way of martial arts if not the path of truth, on which the practitioner advances the whole life long?