The Karate Institute of America and Kiado-Ryu Martial Arts subscribe to President George Washington’s admonition that,
To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.
Is this not one of the fundamental reasons why we study martial arts? Yes, the bullies of the world study martial arts, too, but they use it for aggression and subjugation of others who are neither strong enough nor capable enough to resist or repel their wicked intentions. If we are strong, if we are thoroughly prepared for war and the assaults of those who would take our freedom from us, there will be peace. It is when we are weak, incapable of defending ourselves or refuse to fight for our personal peace and sovereignty that we invite aggression and potential domination from and by others.
Indeed, preparation is not only the key to success in life, it is also, as George Washington so wisely stated, an effectual means of preserving peace.