Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate-do precepts

1 - It should be known that secret principles of Goju Ryu exist in the “Kata”.

“Kata” (prearranged forms) are not simply an exhibition of forms. They are a concrete manifestation of techniques which can be transformed at any time to any form. It is in the “kata” that the essence of karate has assumed a definite form. We should always remember that the kata are a crystallisation of the essence of karate and that we should always begin afresh and train hard. It is only through the training of kata that you will reach “gokui”, the essential teaching.

2 - Goju Ryu Karate-Do is a manifestation within one’s own self or the harmonious accord of the universe.

“As supple as a willow, as solid as Mount Tai (a mountain often referred to in Chinese poetry)”. It is when the two extremes of hard and soft are wholly united as one body that the unshakable form of the harmony of heaven and earth will evolve. We find this harmony of hard and soft within the order of Nature and the oneness of the Universe. Through the way of Goju Ryu Karate-do we will be able to express the harmony of Nature within ourselves.

3 - The way of Goju Ryu Karate-Do is to seek the way of virtue.

 In Goju Ryu Karate-do, we try to cultivate the ideal human nature of physical and spiritual union through the training of the body and spirit. Originally, in the way of strategy, there was the concept “to win” , but to win through virtue is the ultimate goal. Therefore, anyone who aspires to this way must not forget the Japanese character “nin”, to endure. Heighten one’s own virtue, master the strategy of winning without fighting and seek the ultimate secret.