A Research Paper By Hang Do, Career Coach for Young Adults, FRANCE
Comparative Analysis of Coaching and Karate – Uncovering Commonalities in the Path of Personal Growth
There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path. Gautama Buddha
Coaching, in essence, is a journey of self-development, an expedition towards becoming a better version of oneself. In this metaphorical journey, the individual being coached is the driver, the coach assumes the role of a co-pilot, and the road they traverse represents the path toward their coaching goals.
Interestingly, the Japanese word for “path” is “Do,” which I encountered when I embarked on my journey in Karate, or more precisely, Karate-do. This martial art, with its deep-rooted philosophies, shares a common thread with coaching – both paths lead to personal development.
This research paper aims to illuminate the parallels between these two paths of self-improvement: coaching and karate. By examining coaching from various angles, including its presence in the realms of art and sport, coaches can be equipped with a new perspective. From there, this paper will demonstrate how sports, like Karate, can serve as both an analogy and maybe a practical tool for coaching.
Furthermore, I hope that this research paper could be helpful to karatekas (karate practitioners) and other athletes, enabling them to grasp the principles of coaching and apply them to self-coaching for personal growth. In doing so, this paper seeks to bridge the worlds of coaching and sport, creating a synergy that propels individuals toward their paths of happiness and self-fulfillment.
The history of Karate (or Karate-Do)
Initially, martial techniques or Bujutsu (“Bu” (武) = martial (warrior), “jutsu” (術) = techniques) were the techniques that warriors had to master to fight and survive on the battlefield.
For over a century, Japan was in a state of civil war. Several feudal lords clashed to gain territory and influence. In 1600, the Battle of Sekigahara took place, resulting in Tokugawa Ieyasu’s victory, which unified Japan under his authority. Internal wars ceased. The warriors (Samurai) no longer had specific reasons to fight, but they continued to train.
During this time, Miyamoto Musashi, a former warrior who had participated in the Battle of Sekigahara on the losing side, continued to train and improve his skills. He traveled across Japan to challenge the best sword masters to duels. He won all his battles and became a symbol. He dedicated every moment of his life to becoming a better warrior. Since combat is a matter of life or death, he was fully engaged in his learning, training, and progress. A warrior couldn’t just think about war on the battlefield; it had to be a lifelong pursuit, a path to constantly advance on.
Before his death, he documented this principle of the way in his book “The Book of Five Rings,” which is still a classic in martial literature today. His book contributed to spreading the term “Bushido”.
“Michi” and “Do” are two ways of reading the same character 道, meaning the way or the path. It is the “Do” that is found in Budo but also in various artistic activities that developed under the influence of the period of peace: Shodo (the art of calligraphy) and Sado (the art of tea ceremony). In Japanese culture, there is the idea that all arts converge at a certain level of depth, in the same spiritual domain, the same flourishing, and artistic mastery. Miyamoto Musashi, after dedicating the first fifty years of his life to the way of the warrior, managed to achieve the ultimate goal of this artistic path and became an extraordinary artist in painting, sculpture, and calligraphy.
After the invasion and annexation of Okinawa by Japan and the prohibition of carrying weapons for its inhabitants, karate developed as a system of unarmed defense. It was heavily influenced by commercial and cultural exchanges between Okinawa and China.
In 1921, Master Funakoshi Gichin was chosen by the masters of Okinawa to respond to an invitation from the emperor who wanted to explore this practice. After a demonstration, the emperor asked Funakoshi to start teaching karate in Tokyo.
This discipline developed in the 1930s, an ultra-nationalistic period when Japan sought to expand its influence and superiority over Asia. To be accepted by the College of Representatives of Japanese Martial Arts (Judo, Aikido, Kendo…), and to conform to societal demands, Master Funakoshi “Japanized” karate. Chinese-origin terms were replaced (technique names, kata names…), and the suffix “Do” was added to the discipline’s name, giving rise to Karate-Do.
The “Reflect” of Coaching in Karate Practice
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Maintaining Presence in Coaching and Karate
In both the world of coaching and the martial art of Karate, the concept of being present holds great significance. This presence, whether as a coach or a practitioner, plays a pivotal role in one’s journey toward mastery and self-improvement.
As a coach, one of the essential competencies recognized by the International Coach Federation (ICF) is “Maintain Presence”. This competency entails several key elements. First and foremost, it requires the coach to be fully engaged and attentive during coaching sessions. This means putting aside distractions and giving undivided attention to the client. Additionally, maintaining presence involves creating a safe and open space for the client, where they feel heard and understood without judgment. It is about being in the moment with the client, empathizing with their emotions, and asking powerful questions that help them explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a focused and mindful way.
To achieve and maintain this presence, coaches often practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware of the present moment without judgment. It involves paying attention to one’s thoughts, feelings, and sensations without trying to change or analyze them. By cultivating mindfulness, coaches can release judgments and biases, allowing them to be more present for their clients and better support their growth and development.
As for the client, being present in coaching is equally crucial. It offers an opportunity to delve deep into one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with a heightened sense of awareness. When clients bring their full presence to the coaching relationship, they can explore their goals, challenges, and aspirations more effectively. This presence allows them to gain insights, make conscious choices, and work towards positive change.
Now, shifting our focus to being present in Karate, we find that the martial arts places great emphasis on mindfulness and awareness throughout the training process.
In the world of Karate, the journey begins with a salute ceremony called “mokuso,” which means “silent” or “still” thinking. Participants close their eyes, aiming to clear their minds and focus solely on the training ahead. This practice of mindfulness sets the tone for the entire session.
Being present in Karate also means focusing on the techniques. While power and speed are important, a good technique results in a perfect coordination of various parts of the body. After understanding the way each part moves, karateka can make it all work together only by being aware of their body and how they are moving into space.
Two concepts in Karate, “Zanshin” and “Mushin,” highlight the significance of presence. Zanshin emphasizes being aware even after completing an action and maintaining readiness for any potential follow-up actions or threats. In contrast, Mushin represents a state of “no mind,” where conscious thought disappears, and actions flow naturally and spontaneously. This level of presence allows for efficient responses in sparring and self-defense situations, akin to the mindset of a beginner who acts instinctively without being limited by technique.
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Evoke Awareness: The Power of Consciousness in Coaching and Karate
Awareness is a transformative force that transcends boundaries and domains. It is the beacon that guides individuals on a journey of self-discovery, fostering growth and empowerment.
In the realm of coaching, evoking awareness is not merely an option; it is a fundamental and potent tool. Recognized as one of the core competencies by the International Coach Federation (ICF), it serves as the cornerstone of effective coaching relationships. Through the skillful guidance of a coach, clients embark on a voyage of self-exploration, gaining clarity about their current situation, challenges, and aspirations. This heightened awareness extends beyond the tangible aspects of life; it encompasses thoughts, emotions, values, and passions that lie beneath the surface.
By delving into the depths of their thoughts, clients begin to uncover hidden strengths that were previously obscured by negative emotions or limiting beliefs. They discover important values and passions. This newfound awareness becomes the compass that guides them toward conscious choices and empowers them to seize control of their life’s trajectory. In essence, evoking awareness in coaching empowers clients to evolve from passive bystanders to active architects of their destinies.
In Karate, the practice of this martial art is a remarkable conduit for self-awareness. Karate demands a profound connection with one’s body, unveiling its capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and physical limitations. Each strike, each stance, and each block is a mirror reflecting the practitioner’s physical self. This intimate relationship with one’s body leads to a comprehensive understanding of one’s physicality, promoting self-acceptance and growth.
Beyond the physical, karate cultivates emotional awareness. Emotions hold the power to influence both performance and the body during karate practice. Identifying and acknowledging these emotions constitutes the initial and vital step toward effective emotional management.
Moreover, awareness of karate extends far beyond one’s own body. While certain aspects of training are solitary endeavors, the application of karate techniques invariably involves a partner. It is not enough to master a technique in isolation; one must comprehend how to adapt it to various partners with different attributes. These partners may be bigger, smaller, faster, stronger, or taller, necessitating an acute awareness of their capabilities. This awareness facilitates adaptability, ensuring that techniques remain effective regardless of the opponent’s physical advantages.
Furthermore, awareness extends to the surroundings and the opponent’s movements. During a bout, a karateka must be attuned to every nuance, anticipating their opponent’s actions and responding with precision. This heightened perception allows them to stay one step ahead, gaining a crucial advantage in the arena.
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Other similarities
Other than the two competencies mentioned above, Coaching and Karate both utilize common elements and tools. Let’s explore deeper into their similarities.
Gratitude is a powerful force that can bring about transformative changes in coaching. It encourages individuals to shift their focus from what they lack or what’s going wrong in their lives to what they have and what’s going well. In the realm of coaching, this shift in perspective is nothing short of revolutionary. Instead of dwelling on their problems or challenges, clients start recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of their lives and experiences. This shift alone can boost positivity and set the stage for personal growth and development.
When clients actively practice gratitude, they experience a cascade of positive emotions: joy, contentment, and happiness. These positive emotions, in turn, become a source of strength and resilience. Clients find themselves better equipped to navigate through challenging situations with an optimistic outlook. It’s as if gratitude arms them with an emotional toolkit to handle life’s ups and downs more gracefully.
Furthermore, gratitude exercises often involve recognizing one’s accomplishments and acknowledging the positive contributions of others. This simple act can lead to a profound enhancement in self-esteem and self-worth. Clients come to realize their own value and the significant impact they have on their lives and the lives of others. As they appreciate their strengths and the support they receive from those around them, their confidence soars, and they become more empowered to pursue their goals.
In the world of martial arts, such as karate, gratitude holds a special place. Despite the modern evolution of karate, its symbolism remains strong, and gratitude is an integral part of the practice.
One of the principal symbols of gratitude in karate is the act of bowing. This gesture signifies respect and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to train in the “dojo”, the training hall. Bowing before entering and leaving the training area is a way of showing appreciation for the lessons learned and the growth experienced within those walls.
In addition to showing gratitude to the dojo, karatekas express their appreciation for their martial arts journey in various other ways. They pay homage to the “ancestors” of their style by bowing towards the “kamiza”, typically featuring a picture of the founder of their school. This gesture extends to other influential masters who have contributed to the art. Moreover, karate students and teachers exchange bows with each other, acknowledging the mutual learning and growth that takes place. The term “sensei,” meaning “the one who was here before”, is used to address teachers, emphasizing the respect and gratitude inherent in the teacher-student relationship.
Gratitude isn’t limited to formal ceremonies. In Japan, when entering the dojo, students bow to their senior peers, a way of expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn from those with more experience. This act of humility, coupled with the phrase “Onegai shimasu,” akin to saying “please,” is a request for the more advanced students to share their knowledge and experience, creating a nurturing environment for growth.
Even during training, gratitude is woven into the fabric of karate. Before and after each exercise, practitioners bow to their training partners. This gesture symbolizes appreciation for their partner’s willingness to work together and learn collaboratively. It is also a commitment to remain focused and present in the exercise, dedicated to mutual progress.
In both coaching and karate, gratitude catalyzes transformation. It shifts the focus from scarcity to abundance, from challenges to opportunities, and from self-doubt to self-confidence. By embracing gratitude, individuals can embark on journeys of self-discovery, growth, and fulfillment.
Another important element is Curiosity. It plays a crucial role in the coaching relationship. Clients with curiosity are open to change. It can also lead clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors more deeply. This self-exploration fosters greater self-awareness, helping clients understand their motivations, values, and goals on a deeper level.
In “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier, the idea of unlearning is subtly woven into the fabric of effective coaching. Stanier’s work primarily delves into coaching techniques, yet it highlights the profound impact of unlearning in unlocking new possibilities and facilitating transformative change.
For coaches, unlearning holds the key to adopting a client-centered approach. It necessitates the abandonment of preconceived notions and agendas in favor of focusing on the client’s unique needs, goals, and aspirations. By releasing judgments during coaching sessions, coaches create a safe space for clients to explore and grow.
Unlearning also plays a pivotal role in honing coaching skills. Coaches who continually unlearn and reevaluate their techniques can refine their abilities, ultimately providing more impactful and transformative coaching experiences for their clients. Embracing the concept of unlearning is a pathway to personal and professional growth for both clients and coaches alike.
Curiosity fosters a lifelong learning mindset, both for clients and coaches. They will be more likely to continue seeking personal and professional development long after the coaching relationship ends, leading to ongoing self-improvement.
Intersection of the Ancient Martial Art of Karate and the Coaching World
There exists a fascinating intersection between the ancient martial art of karate and the world of coaching. This parallel is not immediately evident, yet upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that the principles and philosophies underpinning both disciplines share striking similarities.
Unveiling these parallels can have far-reaching implications. The step following this research paper could be to explore possibilities of blending Karate, or other martial arts and Coaching.
Secondly, this synergy serves as a powerful tool for athletes. Beyond enhancing physical prowess, athletes can adopt the mental and emotional strategies from martial arts into their daily lives, fostering self-coaching and personal growth.
Indeed, the practice of sports, particularly martial arts, provides a unique lens through which we can view life’s myriad experiences. The change in perspective that arises from this exploration mirrors the transformative goals of coaching itself. It encourages us to approach life with mindfulness, determination, and adaptability, qualities that are invaluable in the journey of personal development.
In essence, the correlation between karate and coaching uncovers an abundance of knowledge and insights that not only enriches the world of sports but also empowers individuals to become the architects of their own lives.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Sekigahara
Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings (五輪書, Go Rin no Sho), 1645
The word Bushido first appeared written in KōyōGunkan (甲陽軍鑑), a record of the military exploits of the Takeda clan, written by KōsakaDanjō Masanobu.
Thomas Cleary, The Japanese art of war – Understanding the culture of Strategy, 1991.
Gichin Funakoshi, Karate-Do Kyohan: The Master Text, 1973 (original text first published in 1935)
Morihei Ueshiba, Budo: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido, 1991
Lawrence A. Kane and Kris Wilder, The Way of Kata: A Comprehensive Guide to Deciphering Martial Applications, 2005
Areski Ousrout, Bunkai, l’art de décoder les katas, 2012
Michael Bungay Stanier, The Coaching Habit, 2016