Karate is, and always has been, a method of self defence, never a technique of aggression. However, it is much more than that alone. To the dedicated student, it is a form of combined physical and mental discipline from which a student can learn the value of personal attributes such as kindness and sincerity.

To the Karate Master, self-control is quite as important as mastery of the various techniques. The Karateka (user of Karate) never brings his or her techniques into serious play unless a threat is unequivocal and other defences are inadequate. In fact, all Kata (forms or formal exercises) begin with "Uke" (defensive technique) rather than an offensive one.

Gichin Funakoshi, the man largely responsible for introducing Karate into Japan, often told his students "The spirit of Karate is lost without courtesy".

Decorum, humility and gentleness are other hallmarks of the Karateka but he or she is never servile. A student's performance of Kata must bring forth boldness and confidence. These seemingly paradoxical combinations of boldness & gentleness, confidence & humility lead eventually to harmony (body and mind integrated into a singular discipline).  This, as much as self-defence, is the aim of Karate.