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Maxims

The following expressions of wisdom are intended to advise and motivate the karate and kobudo practitioner. - shodo used with permission of Silk Road Enterprises

 

Michi (The Way): the rich and varied journey of life, encompassing all opposites, connecting all things. The Great Journey is full of blessings for the person who has the eyes to see.

Fudoshin (Steadfast): is a state of equanimity or imperturbability (literally and metaphorically "immovable heart" or "immovable mind") - a philosophical/mental dimension to a (commonly Japanese) martial art which contributes to the effectiveness of the advanced practitioner.

Shuuchuu (Concentration): the concentration of the entire body, unifying it into one focused point. If we can develop the ability to do this our technique greatly increases in power and effect. Shuuchuu is also a metaphor for life. We all know that success comes with full commitment to the task at hand.

Mushin (Clear mind): a state into which very highly trained martial artists are said to enter during combat. The term is shortened from mushin no shin (無心の心}, a zen expression meaning mind of no mind. That is, a mind not fixed or occupied by thought or emotion and thus open to everything.

Renma (Practice and polish): It takes 1,000 days to forge the spirit and 10,000 to polish it.

Masakatsu agatsu (Victory Over Oneself): victory over oneself begins with a journey of recognizing one's own weaknesses, limitations and failings. The failure to confront one's own weaknesses is the principal barrier to finding one's true self, hence living a life in disharmony with our self and others.

Shin-Gi-Tai (Mind/Work/Body): the coming together of the mind, skill and body to produce a "complete person". These three human qualities are indicative of the essence of the heavens (represented by a person's mind), earth (an individual's skills) and man (by the body).

Fusatsu Katsujin (Protect People Without Injury): one must not embark on a course of action designed to cause injury.

Bunburyodo (Pen and Sword in Accord): true progress in the martial arts is only possible if we cultivate ourselves through the even balance of 'austere conditioning', 'philosophical assimilation' and 'literature' Martial arts or ways in its real sense was character building in embodiment of physical, mental and spiritual excellence.

Do Mu Gen (There is no end to learning "the way"): there is no end to learning. Even at advanced levels, there are still higher levels to reach. There is no point at which one's skill or understanding is complete. Learning "the way" is done day by day, minute by minute, second by second, now, to eternity. There is no faster way.

Shu Ha Ri (Obey, digress, seperate):

Shu: Observe the old without straying. The student directly studies the teacher's way.

Ha. Break strict observation and adapt different teachings. This is the stage of experimentation and research.

Ri. Leave, advancing beyond both former stages.

Ryu Sui Saki o Kiso Wasu (Flowing water does not compete): The highest good is like water. Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive.
It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao.
Onkochishin (Study the old to understand the new): Examine things of the past, and obtain the new knowledge and the opinion from there.Taking a lesson from the past. Taking a lesson from the wisdom of the ancients. Follow the old ways.