Decentralized authority and karate-ka
who has a philosophy
Decentralization of its authoritarian is one of main characteristics
of Shukokai Gishinkan, for those which Mr. Yamada respects and values
as individuals. This principle is also prevailing among the overseas
branches, especially in European countries; those activities are headquartered
locally. For instance, the members of the committee have made their
own constitution that follows international rules, and they have been
building a new structure on their own. Mr. Yamada said "The students
overseas treat me with respect. However, so long as it is their own
association, they are trying to organize various events within their
responsibilities. I am a willy-nilly person (laugh), so my students
have to be efficient. I am fortunate to have those reliable students,
though, at the same time I feel that the Japan Union has to learn from
the other branches in this respect."
Through various experiences, Mr. Yamada said in final retrospect, "I
feel a karate instructor has to be a philosopher. Accomplishing the
development of one's own philosophy makes a crude man into a mature
one. Tani sensei had his own philosophy. I have not called myself as
"Soke" yet, as I believe one's philosophy has got to reflect
on one's karate to be worth called "Soke." I only wish to
be like that if I could.
There is a saying , which means that one should not act simply with
a knowledge, rather understand things completely until it becomes one's
own idea. In reality, there are not many people who can be like that.
Having said that, it also refers to myself, I hope I don't sound like
and I-Know-Everything man (laugh)."
Human beings are not perfect, of course, only with steady training would
it be possible to achieve one's goal of becoming a karate-ka with one's
own well-developed philosophy, and that is the essence of karate-do
as a budo. We hope that Mr. Yamada's vision will enlighten today's students
and be reflected in the future study in karate-do.
