"It is culturally common that most developed societies in the world, at one time or
another, have had a Warrior caste or class that have decided (generally) ruled or
decisively influenced the rulers of their times. Where the society is Asian (Japanese,
Chinese, Korean, Indonesian); European, Polynesian, African or American Indian there has
been a cult of the Warrior. In many of these societies, most notably in Japan and in
Europe, the warrior has tried to reconcile the fact that their primary activity is
killing. The "Warrior Code" has been an attempt to set some parameters on what
one can do and not do on the battlefield (battlefield ethics?). Some societies have
developed this to a high degree. Such as India, China, Europe and Japan. This code has
spilled over into other non combative activities.. for instance Chivalry and "courtly
love" which discusses how to treat a woman."
I would be very interested in facts and opinions about the relevance of a Warrior's code
today, maybe a fresh look at the history of various warrior codes; How can one practically
follow a code of behavior; Do these codes have any relevance in Okinawan Karate. Does the
code define when it is proper to Kill? Is Karate really utilized only for defense? Does
the code define what defense is?
I think that this is an important question for our personal study. I am sure that we all
have individual answers and opinions. I, for one, would like to hear some of these
opinions and facts that some may have and would care to share.. After the work that was
done on the NAC, I think this would be an interesting topic.
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