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Five Elements of Karate

Aug 10, 2011 | By Cat North
Five Elements of Karate
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Although Japan is recognized as the birthplace of karate, the fighting style is an offshoot of ancient forms of martial arts developed in China after the introduction of Buddhism. Karate is linked to the spiritual and physical techniques of Daruma, founder of Zen Buddhism in Western India, according to the Shotokan Karate of America website. Like other forms of martial arts, karate typically incorporates the five element philosophy, which depicts life as natural elements of the earth and defines fighting movements.

Modern Karate

In the 21st century, Karate teachings and practices have evolved and may or may not explicitly incorporate the five element philosophy. Further, depending on the training facility, its philosophies and its instructors, not everyone agrees on the exact five element philosophies as they relate to karate practices, according to the International Tsubokai Karate Jitsu Alliance. Karate is a combination of ancient Chinese martial arts practices and local fighting styles developed over many centuries in Okinawa by its native inhabitants, according to Shotokan Karate of America.

Five Elements

The philosophy behind martial arts such as karate teaches that beyond the fundamental division of the universe into yin and yang, life is further subdivided into the five elements of wood, metal, earth, fire and water. These elements represent and describe all that exists, including human behaviors, according to Warrior Pages. Further, each element is related to martial arts styles and movements. From these martial arts philosophical beginnings, modern karate developed into a fierce and efficient fighting style, according to Shotokan Karate of America and the R.I.Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu Black Belt Society website.

Xingyiquan

Much of modern karate movement is derived from xingyiquan, an internal Chinese martial arts style recognized for its explosive and dynamic movements, according to Sinclair Martial Arts. Xingyiquan fists are used in many forms of martial arts combat practice, and each fist represents a shape of one of the five elements, as well as the animals that depict each element, according to Sinclair Martial Arts. Xingyiquan requires self-control over one's own actions, and focus is placed on finding harmony between the mind and body.

Wood

Wood's martial arts xingyiquan fist is the crushing fist. In the martial arts five element theory, wood represents creativity, hard work and decisiveness. It also represents the beginning of the life cycle or growth and is depicted by the animal, the snake.

Metal

Metal can cut wood and this is represented by its xingyiquan fist, the chopping or splitting fist. Metal represents methodical and meticulous organization. It also depicts non-emotional characteristics. The animal symbolism associated with metal is the crane.

Earth

The dragon symbolizes earth and its xingyiquan fist is the crossing fist. The earth element represents sympathy, support and consideration. In the cycle of life, earth eventually hardens and becomes metal.

Fire

The tiger symbolizes fire, and its xingyiquan fist is the pounding fist. The destructive force behind metal is fire in the natural recycling processes of life. Wood fuels fire so that leftover materials can return to the earth to help start the life process again. Fire represents emotion, passion and communication.

Water

Water's symbolic animal is the leopard, and its xingyiquan fist is the drilling fist. Water is the flexible and ambitious element. It can be gentle or intense, but water helps to restart the life cycle because it gives life and quenches the earth. Wood is the beginning of life, and its growth is nourished by water. Water also extinguishes fire, and metal eventually decomposes into liquid, or water.

References

Article reviewed by Matt Olberding Last updated on: Aug 10, 2011

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