| Popularized version of translation |
The Isshin-ryu Code
- A person's heart is the same as heaven and earth.
- The blood circulating is similar to the moon and the sun.
- The manner of drinking and spitting can be either hard or soft.
- A person's unbalance is the same as weight.
- The body should be able to change directions at any time.
- The time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself.
- The eyes must see all sides.
- The ears must listen in all directions.
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| Sensei Sherman Harrill's literal translation of the Kanji |
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| Sensei Harrill's literal translation of the kanji |
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The Essence of Way of Karate
Man's ... spirit/heart/mind ... is like/same as ... heaven ... earth.
Blood ... hope/range/pulse ... is like ... (day-date) moon ... (month) sun.
Reason/method/law/principles/doctrine ... stiff-hand/strong/stubborn/inflexible ... soft/gentle/mild/tender/mellow ... take in/soak in ... throw out.
Fear/horror ... march ... past/pass ... leave ... meet.
Directions ... any ... time ... react/respond ... flexibility/change.
Hand ... meets ... in the air ... suddenly ... enter.
Eyes ... should ... watch ... four ... directions.
Ears ... laterally placed ... to listen to/to comply with ... eight ... directions.
Isshin Ryu Karate-Do
Shimabukuro Tatsuo
Karate Master
This is Sensei Harrill's literal translation of the kanji for the Kenpo Gokui or "Code of Karate." Translations can often vary depending on the age and life experiences of the person performing the translation, or even whether that person is Chinese or Japanese.
This translation was made for Sensei Sherman Harrill by an elderly Chinese gentleman. Though similar in many respects to the popular version, it does have some real differences as well. This translation played a very big part in Sensei Sherman Harrill's personal training and his understanding of Isshin-ryu Karate-do. |
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