I think that the essence of this scene from “The Karate Kid” may have possibly escaped interpretation, or been glossed over by many viewers.

The interpretation fits the character of Mr. Miyagi that is developed throughout the film. He is Ultra Traditional, in his relationship to Karate. He is portrayed as having experienced his schooling before WWII, and his Karate is very integrated into his family lineage, and Okinawan Spirituality.

Accordingly, Mr. Miyagi admonishes “Danielsan”, That Karate can be used to fill one’s mind, and that Karate can be used to fill one’s heart, but; Karate can never be used to fill one’s belly.

What this indicates, is that one should never use Karate, as a means of livelihood.

At the end of WWII, Okinawa had been decimated entirely. The Okinawan people, caught in the middle between the Japanese and American forces, suffered greatly during the ‘Battle of Okinawa’, one of the last major ground battles before the Japanese surrender.

An allied army of occupation, was installed on Okinawa after that war. There exists today, still, a very large American Military presence on Okinawa.

The prostitution of Mr. Miyagi’s principle, of never using Karate as a means of livelihood, came about as a result of this American installation of Occupying Forces.

The impoverished and starving Okinawan, soon discovered that the American Forces had a keen interest in their indigenous fighting skills. In return for teaching American Military personnel Karate, an Okinawan could feed his family.

Schools sprang up everywhere, instructing in a modified application of Karate; that, added much by way of sales appeal, that would attract the American. From the spectacular, to secret techniques, Karate changed, to compete for the American currency.

The same holds true, for the effect that American troops stationed in Korea, had upon that countries ‘ Indigenous Fighting Disciplines’ after the Korean War.

Prior to WWII, a modified system of Karate was introduced into the School Curriculum of Japan, and Okinawa. This somewhat ‘defanged’ version of the skills was, nevertheless, a bonifide presentation of the Art’s generic principles.

It is these that can be learned in most Karate schools, and which, after some short bit of instruction, may be adapted as self defense.

It should be noted, that much of what is found in most Karate schools, is given in a way to “keep ‘em coming back”, and paying.

It would be a fortunate find, to chance upon a Karate adept, who for love of the “Art” would teach one the basic generic applications, that apply to self defense, without charge.
If self defense is one’s prime impetus for martial arts study, truly, some self defense courses would be much more fruitful. These will give one some good “No Nonsense” skills and applications, that will come in handy if the occasion should arise, and also impart a degree of confidence.

Karate as a form of exercise that combines self defense, I believe, can only be accomplished by an experienced Katrate adept, and incorporated into his personal training . Other wise, one seeking such will find himself engaged in activities, not appreciated, or needed.

The popularity of Mixed Martial Arts, is again, a competition for the American Dollar. It should be very obvious that these skills are not geared as self defense, though they have applications as such, but toward fighting. These schools appeal to the “Wannabe Badass”, and as such, you will find the propensity to fight is high among practitioners. Sadly, Karate is also being influenced by MMA popularity, hence, it is beginning to be viewed as a fighting, rather than defensive, skill.

So, what should one do? Well, if self defense is your goal, a good self defense coarse would be your best bet. If exercise is your aim, then walking, running, and swimming are the best, and will probably remain so in spite of trends and gimmicks. Add some moderate calisthenics, and you’re ‘good to go’.

If one is captivated by the intrinsic “Spirituality” purported through popular media portrayals in the martial venue, be advised, that this will be your own personal quest. But again, prostitution is rampant in these areas as well, seeking fiancial gain. As a case in point, you may now study Kung Fu at one of China’s Shaolin Temples, or Tai Chi at Wudang Mountain, for a fee.

The Communist Chinese Government, upon discovering the marketable tourist potential that the Shaw Bros. Kung Fu films generated in the gullible west, has re-opened the sites, fully staffed with Chinese acrobats, in full costume!

The true ‘Spirit of Karate’ can still be found, but it must be sought. There are also some bonifide schools, that will give good instruction at a nominal fee. Avoid the ‘hype’, proceed with discernment and caution, and recognize that an emphasis on exercises, that you could do on your own, or spectacular feats, or abusive and submission, should set of the alarm bells in your head. Listen to your own brain, that’s what it’s there for.

Danielsan- “Mr. Miyagi, what kind of belt do you have”? Mr. Miyagi- “Canvas belt. You like? JC Penny, $3.98. Ha Ha Ha. On Okinawa, (prior WWII) belt mean, no need a rope to hold up pants”!

Jen – Awesome, I am glad to hear that your style and dojo pass your inspection! It can feel a little weird evaluating something you don’t know much about, but it’s definitely necessary.

Jen – Awesome, I am glad to hear that your style and dojo pass your inspection! It can feel a little weird evaluating something you don’t know much about, but it’s definitely necessary.