Philosophy
The codes of karate
Shimabuku-sensei adopted the Eight Poems of the Fist from the Bubishi as the codes of Isshin-ryū karate. They are:
- A person's heart is the same as heaven and earth.
- The blood circulating is similar to the moon and sun.
- A manner of drinking and spitting is either hard or soft.
- A person's unbalance is the same as a weight.
- The body should be able to change directions at any time.
- The time to strike is when opportunity presents itself.
- The eye must see all sides.
- The ear must listen in all directions.
Our creed
I come to you with only karate, empty hands. I have no weapons but should I be forced to defend myself, my honor or my principles; should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong, then here are my weapons: my empty hands.