KARATE CREED

   I come to you with only Karate  - empty hands, I have no weapons; but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles, or my honor; should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong, then here are my weapons – “Karate, my empty hands”.

By Ed Parker, Grandmaster American Kenpo Karate

The Meaning of the Karate Creed

“I come to you with only Karate, empty hands, I have no weapons...”

     I am a humble, peaceful person.  I mean neither you nor anyone any harm, through either my thoughts or my actions.  My long hours of karate training have taught me this. 

“But should I be forced to defend myself, my principles, or my honor …”

     But, if I’m forced, because I have exhausted all other alternatives to defend myself, my country, my family, and other honorable things (not due to spite, hatred, angry feelings, getting even, etc.).

“Should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong…”

     I will use only my karate in defense of life, not to cause death.  I will use my karate for only the right reasons, not for wrong ones.

“Then here are my weapons, Karate, My Empty Hands…”

     Then, if I must, I am prepared to fight with the weapons I have with me at all times, my empty hands, and even though I have been forced, I will use just enough force to stop the attacker and will not abuse the power that I possess – My Empty Hands.