Over nearly five decades, José Abad of Elche has shaped karate at national and international levels, earning recognition across the martial arts community. The Spanish council Budosophy in Elche will host a two‑day congress on 5 and 6 May, bringing together 25 renowned teachers from karate, kung fu, judo, jujitsu, taekwondo, and hapkido in collaboration with the Elche City Council and the Walkers Association of the city.
The event centers on a monographic theme, The Art of Dodge. It will feature experts from multiple disciplines sharing knowledge at a national meeting designed to exchange insights and practical experience among practitioners and teachers alike.
Abad is connected to the International Ryukyu Karate Research Association in Okinawa and the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai of Kyoto, Japan. He has received the Shigan Honor Award for the exemplary path in karate and a gold medal from the Spanish Martial Arts Council.
Always active
Although retired from regular training, Abad continues to dedicate himself to violence prevention by delivering lectures for healthcare professionals and speaking on issues such as gender‑based and classroom violence. He holds a fifth Dan in karate jutsu. He does not prize degrees above all else, believing that the true purpose of martial arts lies in the holistic development of a person through practice, regardless of ability to defend. The discipline fosters psychomotor growth and core values such as personality, honesty, effort, perseverance, and respect for others. He emphasizes that the aim is not to earn medals, but to cultivate character and, when needed, to respond defensively and responsibly in dangerous situations.
Beyond the clichés
In practice, Buddhism is seen here as more than a stereotype of martial arts. The event promotes a philosophy of sharing knowledge across styles. A key requirement is that all teachers, regardless of rank, arrive with a white belt and a mindset of learning. The gathering is designed as an equal exchange where everyone contributes and learns. There is no submission fee; each participant covers personal expenses.
Budosophy is described as a martial arts philosophy that goes beyond physical practice. It emphasizes education, respect, and values as essential components of the art, according to José Abad.
As he notes, shows like Cobra Kai may misrepresent martial arts. The aim here is not to win championships or overpower opponents, but to become a better person each day. The daily effort and growth can be applied to everyday life and challenges.
Federated or not
Is federation required to practice martial arts? No. The key point is if one wants to pursue a degree test; Abad himself remains a federation member with a pension card, though he does not align with a strictly sports‑competition model. He does not view karate as a sport alone and believes education should not be reduced to tournament results. Budosophy was established to preserve cultural and educational assets within the martial arts and to bring together teachers from various disciplines to share knowledge and maintain safety.
This organization functions to safeguard tradition rather than to organize championships, according to Abad, with the aim of fostering cross‑discipline learning and collaboration among practitioners.
“We are all the same”
No participant is deemed superior within Budosophy, and mutual learning from other arts is encouraged because movement is the universal thread. The common goal across styles is to preserve personal integrity and self‑defense. Martial arts arose independently in many regions to meet local needs, and learning to defend oneself remains important. Humans have always developed defense mechanisms to respond to threats, and Zen Buddhist influences in training focus on improving the person while also preparing for real life moments when defense is necessary.
The Elche venue is fitting. Abad organizes the event, and the city and Alicante Province offer a rich environment for martial arts such as judo, Taekwondo, and karate, alongside growing kickboxing and boxing communities.
Get to know Elche
The Budosophy gathering in Elche on 5 and 6 May will feature both theoretical discussions and practical demonstrations by the speakers, plus afternoon sessions on the local beaches. The intention is to share passion for martial arts while highlighting Elche as a destination for attendees who may be unfamiliar with the area. The beach, the culture, and the local cuisine provide additional motivation for participants to experience the city beyond the training itself.
Through this event, the organizers emphasize learning, community, and the broader values of martial arts rather than a narrow focus on competition or rank.
References: Abad’s affiliations with international karate organizations, the Budosophy mission to preserve cultural assets, and the emphasis on education and character development within martial arts are documented by the association and participating teachers.