The Soul & the Shape: Beyond the geometry
Why your Shape is only the vehicle, and the Soul is the engine of Kime.
Welcome to the Dōjō. To find specific technical drills or philosophy essays, visit our Master Index. Full access to our Japan-grade masterclasses and technical archives is reserved for our Premium Members.
Even though I usually receive very supportive comments on YouTube, I occasionally encounter unsolicited advice from “keyboard Senseis”. You know the type: they have a lot to say, but when I ask for a video demonstration of their theories, I usually only hear crickets.
I have zero problem with that—it’s part of the digital game.
However, a recent comment sparked a truly meaningful reflection. It didn’t come from one of those “digital fighters”; the guy who wrote it is actually very nice, and we’ve since had several interesting discussions under my videos.
The point is, this comment made me reflect on a fundamental subject for us—one that concerns how we perceive what it means to be a skillful Karate-ka and, ultimately, the person we aspire to become through our training: what matters most to us, the Shape or the Soul?
The “Work in Progress” Mindset
I am never offended by technical criticism or different perspectives. Why? First, because I am a “work in progress”. I’ve never claimed to have “perfect” Karate—who could? Karate is a Dō (a Way), and the moment you think you’ve arrived is the moment you stop growing. This constant room for improvement is exactly why training every day is so exciting.
Second, I have deep confidence in the “Japan Connection” I share. For nearly 30 years, I’ve devoted my life to this study—not as a hobby or a sport, but as a path. I’ve sweat, bled, and invested everything—time, energy, and finances—to learn from the elite Shotokan masters in Tokyo. When I speak about biomechanics or core power, it isn't from a book; it’s from thousands of hours of mindful rehearsal in the Dōjō.
The Trap of “Substance without Form”
Years ago, while I was heavily involved with the JKA, a friend told me: “I’m leaving. It’s too sporty now. I need to focus on substance rather than shape”.
He had a point. Many large organizations have drifted toward a sport-oriented aesthetic. But there was a problem: his own technical level was objectively low.
Having just returned from a training trip in Japan, this made me wonder: Can you truly build “substance” on a broken foundation?
Is talking about technique—or “performing” high kicks only with your hands while explaining them (I’m sure you have that image in your mind now!)—enough to build a solid technical foundation?
The answer is no. Often, claiming to focus only on the “internal” part is simply an excuse to avoid the harsh, repetitive, and demanding reality of basic Kihon, and the blunt reality check that competition unfailingly provides.
In Karate, more than anywhere else, we must Walk the Talk.
