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Wa Nin
The original meaning of "Wa" is to respond to the hearts of others by softening one's own heart and bringing it in line with the feelings of others. Softening is this case means to become peaceful or in other words to become harmonious. Furthermore, the two energies of Yin and Yang are naturally adjusted and one can develop friendly relationships with others which smoothly prepares the way for harmony.
"Wa" is seeking a peaceful heart.
The Chinese character "Nin" is composed of the two Chinese characters, "sword" and "heart", which means to grasp the meaning of perseverance with one's heart. Nintai also contains the strict aspects of patient endurance, forgiveness and to admit or to allow.
"Nin no ichiji ni tsukiru no mon"
The most important thing in order to carry out life's many tasks is to engrave this one word, "Wa Nin", in one's heart. As Rohonchu stated, "Wa Nin is a strong spirit with a heart of forgiveness and patient endurance that is necessary in order to find a heart of peace".
Riki Hi Tatsu
"Riki" is stated to imply the functions of muscle power, movement, effort and ability.
The original meaning of "Hi" was based on the practice of wrapping a thin rope around the wooden part of a weapon's handle so that it didn't break. In other words it strongly implied, "absolutely necessary". Now it is used to simply mean surely.
"Tatsu" means to pass through this way.
One can obtain life's goal of absolute power through Martial Arts training and the study of the strong spiritual energy of Wa Nin. In other words, human beings can greatly develop themselves through the motivational power of Riki Hi Tatsu.
O'Sensei, amongst the devastation and confusion of the general population after the second world war, thought that now was precisely the right time to teach the life philosophy of the Martial Arts. O'Sensei gave the words "Wa Nin" and "Riki Hi Tatsu" to the people with the desire to once again raise the country out of the ashes to squarely face the future with a healthy determination, and at the same time not to forget how precious peace is and the difficulty of maintaining patient perseverance. Today's Martial Arts focuses mainly on competition but the orginal goal was to develop one's character and to offer sincere greetings which were essential in order to get along in society.
At the present time, the number of karateka that understand the spirit of "Wa Nin" and "Riki Hi Tatsu" is gradually increasing and they must continue to devote themselves to the way and be good role models for society.
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