President Theodore Roosevelt, of the Rough Riders fame, is quoted as saying that America should speak softly and carry a big stick.

Despite what youve seen in the movies, you shouldnt carry a stick or a weapon of any kind, if you want to engender respect and be prepared to defend yourself.

You dont need one. Your body and your mind provide you with the tools that are necessary for self-defense.

Karate means empty hand, signifying that you dont need any objects beyond what you were born with, providing you learn to use your native tools, well.

During many subjugations of citizens, such as that which occurred in Okinawa, people were denied the use of swords and other devices; so they had to rely on themselves, and they trained in the use of their hands and feet.

Accomplished martial artists believe it is a sign of weakness and poor preparation to even have to use physical blows in self-defense, for these reasons:

(1) We should live in harmony with others and seek more cordial ways to manage conflict;

(2) We should recognize, first, in ourselves the stirrings of anger and rage, and quell them, before others are forced to do it for us; and

(3) We should be so attuned to our fellows that we can detect their hostilities before they feel them in themselves; and then reduce them through redirection of attention, through friendly gestures and actions; or by leaving their company, swiftly, without negative comment.

President Roosevelt might have been better advised to have said: Speak softly, and you wont have to carry a stick.

Empty your hands, and your heart of negativity, and you wont have to demonstrate your adversarial capabilities.