What is Virtue?
A note from Hanshi: Happy New Year! We are starting 2021 off with the first in a series of blog posts. Each month, Uchi-Deshi Tim Philbin will examine the virtues which make up “The Martial Artist’s Code.” Mr. Philbin’s pedigree in all things philosophical is exceptional, though he is too humble to say it himself. Students off all levels and ages should take away some valuable lessons. I am excited to share his insights with everyone.
At the Independent Martial Arts School, we often remind our students that karate is about more than punching and kicking. Ultimately, karate is about being a good person. Rarely, however, do we pause and think about what that really means.
To be a good person is to have a certain something: that something is called virtue. But this raises the question, what is virtue?
Even if you can’t find the words to describe it, you probably already know what virtue is because you probably know a very virtuous person. This could be a family member, teacher, karate instructor, or any other adult in your life. Virtuous people are impossible to miss. They have a certain indescribable energy about them. They are not simply nice people (though being nice is very important), but also people who inspire you to work hard and improve yourself. They seem to have a certain kind of magnetism that makes you want to be around them. For all the world, they seem to have mastered the art of living well. Once you meet someone like this, you can’t seem to ignore them. They make an unforgettable impression on your life simply by being who they are.
To the rest of us, these people may seem like unreachable role models. How could we ourselves ever hope to become virtuous?
Truth be told, there is no secret, no magic bullet, no “get rich quick” scheme that will make you a good person. Becoming virtuous is like learning a new form or combination: the only “secret” is hard work.
If you spend enough time practicing deliberately, you can become good at almost anything. If you think hard enough, I'm sure you can remember a time when a simple front-two-knuckle punch required effort and concentration. But today, it feels completely natural, even easy to perform.
Becoming a good person is the same way: our first steps are always difficult and awkward, but eventually they become second nature. If we train our character the same way we train our bodies in karate, then being a good person will become a part of who we are.
On the IKS history wall facing you on the left as you walk into the dojo, there is a framed piece of paper labeled “The martial artist’s code.” The martial artist’s code lists nine virtues: Humanity, Honor, Courtesy, Knowledge, Trust and Friendship, Kindness, Wisdom, Loyalty, and Courage. Over the next several months, I will be writing a series of blog posts examining these virtues one by one. Being a martial artist does not just mean mastering your material or winning fights; it means working every day to improve your character. As you make your way through your journey in the martial arts, do not forget that karate does not end when you leave the dojo. It should live in every aspect of your life. If you want to become a person of virtue, treat it the same way you treat your material; put in the time and effort. I promise you will see the returns.
Written by Tim Philbin
