A WARRIOR'S CODE OF ETHICS
There is an old saying pertaining to martial arts, which states, "One must first learn civility before he learns the art, and one must first know his ethics before he knows his skills".
Civility here refers to good manners, courtesy, respect and consideration for others. Ethics, on the other hand, is a fundamental set of acceptable behavior which codifies the spirit of martial arts and which martial artists can rely on to cultivate their body and mind, and to guide their everyday actions and judgment.
Ethics is an indivisible part of the study of martial art and sets the moral guidelines for martial artists. Ethics principles serve as the traditional, cultural and social standard by which practitioners are trained in martial arts. Central to these principles is the concept of non-violence, respect for oneself and others, loyalty to one's family and country, and the following of the natural way.
The adherence to ethics confirms our moral obligation to society and fellow human beings as well as towards nature, which surrounds us. The concept also includes the attitudes, lifestyle as well as the social and moral behavior of the practitioner. It is the manner in which one behaves in both word and action. A practitioner of martial arts is a superior athlete, well versed in combat, but also upstanding citizen with good moral and social virtues.
Fulfilling the ethical principles is the true spirit and ultimate goal of the way of martial arts inspire all of us (less than perfect beings) to continually strive for perfection within ourselves. - Ty Hayashi
MARTIAL WISDOM
"When I am gone, I hope that people won't try to traditionalize my Art. I want you to always remember that Kenpo will always be the Art of Perpetual Change. If you remember this, then the Art will never become obsolete because it will change with the times. While the ignorant refuse to study and the intelligent never stop, we should always be mindful of the fact that our reward in life is proportionate with the contributions we make.
A true Martial Artist is not one who fears change, but one who causes it to happen. To live is to change, and to obtain perfection is to have changed often. Progress is a necessity that is a part of nature. While it is true that casting the old aside is not necessary in order to obtain something new, we should study old theories not as a means of discrediting them, but to see if they can be modified to improve our present conditions. A word of advice, The humble man makes room for progress; the proud man believes he is already there." - SGM Ed Parker
Please also pay respect to some fallin' Great American Warriors:
"I shall know the depth of the principles of gentleness yet the cold tenacity of determination even in the face of death. I shall walk amongst my fellow men with purity of heart, a free conscience and a deep love of God and his creations. I shall have the strength of character that nothing shall disturb my peace of mind. I shall be to big for worry, to noble for anger, to strong for fear and to happy to permit the presence of trouble. I shall at all times face the world boldly and accept the challenges of this life." - Ty Hayashi
