The concept of Wa (和), harmony, is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. This is a notion that we find very early in the history of the Japanese archipelago, starting with the origin of its name. Because, if the term Japan (日本), means « place of origin of the sun », it is commonly translated as « Land of the Rising Sun » but Japan was first named « Yamato »...

This name has its origin in the ancient China of the Three Kingdoms, in the 3rd century, which designated Japan as the country of Wa (倭). Kanji 倭 meaning « small and ugly », the Japanese people abandoned it to finally adopt that of Wa (和), in the sense of harmony, giving him the pronunciation of Yamato (大 和). Yamato will thus take the connotation for the country of the great (大) harmony (和).

This concept will be deeply rooted in 604 AD with the writing of Japan's first constitution, « Jushichi Jo Kempō ». It will inscribe the notion of Wa as the most precious good, integrating it as the first constitutional principle : « the Wa, eminently respectable value, is based on a principle, which is to avoid any discord ».

It is also one of the fundamental principles of Japanese martial arts, including Karate Do, which I practice since 1975. Although it is known as a sport and we see very little defense in competition, Karate Do is, above all, a martial art of peace and harmony.

You do not compete with others, you strive to harmonize your relationships with others. This is the secret of true victory in all situations. When you are too focused on your opponent's victory and defeat, you become consumed by that desire. Your fear and your ego take over and blind you. You can not see what lies beyond the horizon.

But if you can clear your mind and train yourself to see through the eyes of your opponent, teammates or loved ones, you can first embrace and then defeat any challenge. And to do that, you have to let go off your fear of losing.

Get rid of your desire to win at all costs. Throw your unhealthy ego. This is true freedom and success. The freedom to act in a way to serve you, to achieve your goals, naturally, harmoniously and effortlessly.

And this is how the Japanese people live and prosper. Wa (和), harmony, is building together and not against each other, is taking care of each other. It's winning together !

By Patrick Rault

 Patrick Rault, 8th Okinawa Dan, 7th Dan in France, immersed himself for 15 years in Japan. Student of Higa Minoru Sensei, Hanshi 10th Dan of Kyudokan School, Shorin-Ryu style, he draws his own calligraphies.