All eyes are focused on the two contestants as they face each other in a sparring match for the "grand championship". Members of the audience scream "Go White", "Go Red" as each contestant tries to find the best opportunity for scoring a victory. Suddenly there's a flurry of techniques - white initiates a kick/punch combination and red quickly responds with a block and punch. It looks like a "clash" but the judges rule that white's technique had scored and is declared the Grand Champion.

Immediately, there are protests from the loser. He questions the referee's call and in a fit of temper takes of his belt and throws it on the floor. In the meantime the winner is carried off on the shoulders of his supporters -, as any hero would be.

Even though the scene depicted above is not necessarily a true account, it is similar to what frequently occurs in martial arts (Karate, Kendo, Kung Fu) tournaments.

Displays of ill temper, lack of courtesy and a general obsession with winning are recent developments that completely misrepresent the marital arts to the general public.

It cannot be emphasized enough that tournaments and competition are only one aspect of martial arts training. Even though winning is considered desirable it is not the ultimate goal and a loss is regarded as a valuable lesson.

The original purpose of martial arts training was survival. In the Middle Ages the main function of the Samurai was to fight. His training involved both a mental and physical preparation for combat. There was a grave seriousness in training since the stakes always involved life or death. Alertness, endurance and composure were emphasized.

During peace the Samurai found himself with a completely different job; that of leadership. It was expected that he be of high moral character, and that he become a personal example to the general public. Thus the emphasis in Martial Arts training shifted from survival to personal development.

Most Dojos (Martial Arts Schools) in Japan have their own code of conduct which students recite daily. Sincerity, true effort, determination, respect for others, humility and self-control are invariably stressed. The same institutions that earlier produced fierce warriors now produce diligent and conscientious citizens.

The purpose behind the Martial Arts training is to help develop the practitioner s character to the fullest so that he/she can offer their best to society.

A true martial artist therefore, is not necessarily the one who wins all the time but rather the one who is committed to putting forth his best effort, not just in the execution of his techniques but in every aspect of his life.