A most difficult and complex question, what is the philosophy behind my practice of Isshinryu Karate-do. There are so many layers that it may not be possible to convey this in a post or even several postings.

Like life, like FMA practice, like the Laws of the Universe all is in constant flux, fluid, ever changing so this philosophy is fluid simply by the constant movement of the present moment. Each unique encounter at the exact present moment causes ripples changing this to something new, something more, this is my philosophy of Isshinryu Karate-do.

On a very basic level my philosophical strategy is to approach my studies and practice with a critical-analytical open mind. I train to attain a calm, stoic, and detached mind so that all that is available can be received with out reservations so that I may study the fundamentals of my morals and beliefs; so that I will understand the values, reason and existence of life and Tao.

Isshinryu Karate-do has become my system of beliefs as taught through its practice; knowledge acquired in the study of the Ancient Classics with a goal of acceptable values and beliefs that guide me in my day to day present moment encounters with both internal/spiritual and external/societal encounters, i.e. the studies and practices of karate-do and the ken-po goku-i with all that it entails at its deepest depth of limitless void.

I quote, "To become a wiser person who deals with life calmly and rationally; a person who will live a life of reason with equanimity; a person devoted to the study of the ancient classics thus providing for the following of the proper and accepted path according to the law of the ken-po goku-i (Tao) as determined by the relations of Heaven, Humanity, and Earth (I Ching and Ken-po Goku-i)."

By this philosophy I strive to achieve the ability to "inspire" others. I strive to achieve a deep understanding of the esoteric aspects of my training and practice along with the deeper skills and experience to teach the physical benefits; to provide the best guidance possible for those who choose to train/practice with me.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." - unknown

"Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider..." - Francis Bacon

A part of my philosophy incorporates the various aspects I use to achieve a better way of life which involves my practice of karate-do or the way of the empty hand. When I couple these along side the ken-po goku-i, ["Gokui, it must be remembered, is a bridge that connects karate with those practices that provide guidance in creating a better way of life." - Charles E. James], I arrive at a method that brings about personal change.

- Never strike first. If you are practicing to provide self protection then your goal is to "avoid at all costs" those situations that open you to resorting to karate for self protection. A true warrior trains to be the best warrior but at its core must always keep foremost in his/her mind that resorting to violent behavior is always a last resort. In the rare cases that confrontation is unavoidable then this rule is still kept even if you do "actually" strike first. In violent situations you won't get the chance because in those situations they have pegged you as a victim and have already clobbered you so your first strike is simply your attempt to get out of the situation and to safety with life and hopefully limbs intact.

- Develop the proper attitude in life! Remain positive and use self-talk techniques to avoid suffering from that "monkey brain" running your life, take control and let your attitude lead you correctly.

- Pay attention! When ever you encounter another you must "to attend to" or pay attention. Remain alert to the person, environment, and be diligent in attending to the appropriate changes necessary to create a positive outcome to the encounter. To pay attention is to demonstrate your expression to the other as a worthy person. Your acknowledgement of the person validates them and shows your desire to treat them as equals and establish them as worthwhile individuals.

- Remain vigilant! Keep vigilant in your encounters, actions, and/or deeds when with others to validate their existence, their importance in society, and their personal feelings.

- Think Positively of Others at all times! Always think the very best of others. Assume the best and act accordingly with out losing sight of positive awareness in case of a sudden change. Approach every encounter with others as if they are good, honest, and sensitive.

- Actively Listen! Don't Jump! Possibly one of the most important rules you can assume in life is to "Listen". Listening or lack thereof is the most common reason for conflict. Listen to the words and feelings; focus on the person communicating; let silence be your primary means of action; let go of your past experiences and be in the present moment; disregard all thoughts of the future and be in the present moment; concentrate on just listening before doing anything else; establish eye contact; let you body reflect the positive; let your voice, tone, and response be on the others comments, actions, body language, intent, and so on; don't rush to agree or disagree; simply show understanding.

- Speak Kindly! Speak kindly and never speak ill of others. Be the person others speak of as the one who never uttered an unkind word. Let that be your legacy. Always keep in your mind that you are speaking/interacting with a living, breathing, vulnerable human beings; always remember the power of words.

- Treat Others Decently! A fundamental rule of society; one that is relevant and important when ever one comes into contact with another; decent behavior is when we care enough not to make problems, ours or theirs, into either our or their problem. The way we treat others is always a reflection of our own self-worth. Respect is a corner stone of any one persons contact with another. Assume they deserve it and then give it whole heartily.

- Treat Others as Guests, always! Care for others as if they were a guest in your home. Be hospitable to every one you meet or connect with even if only for the moment. Get to know others by listening and when you talk to them talk from the heart. Always be considerate of others, no excuses.

- Think Twice before Acting/Speaking! Refrain for taking action or speaking with out thinking twice. How you communicate can result in either a peaceful resolution or a combative one which can turn quickly into a physical altercation. Self-restraint means we ignore the ego and stay in the current moment with complete respect and regard for the opinions of others regardless of our assessments. The goal is to have an amicable meeting of the minds when two connect in today's society. Civility or lack thereof are major causes of anger, fear, and conflict.

- Take Responsibility! Don't try to shift responsibility or blame to others. Take complete responsibility for all of your actions be they verbal or physical. Your attitude and how you express it can be either acceptable to all or not. When not, then you have conflict. Conflict does not benefit anyone.

- Have Courage! Develop the courage necessary to be brave. Bravery and courage does not mean jumping into any confrontation with the desire to win at all costs. It takes one who has courage to avoid conflicts, to find alternatives to doing battle. To create relationships that end in proper balance for all concerned is the epitome of bravery and courage. Anyone can take up arms and do battle yet only the very bravest; those with the most courage; are able to overcome the ego within and to achieve peace and tranquility within and in society.

- Create Goodwill! Create good will among those who you come in contact by providing the type of influence that creates camaraderie; a societal connection of benefit for all. Be a benevolent guide to your fellow man; influence them to influence themselves; become someone who creates a desire in others to become a better person and a complete part of the society in which we all live.

- Conduct Yourself Properly! Conduct yourself with the highest morality and personal values necessary to influence others to follow the path of civility; kindness to others. To provide others with good example of morals, proper conduct, and the type of courtesy that leaves a favorable impression is a great achievement.

- Remain Truthful and Honest! To conduct one's life with ideals of both truth and honesty is the highest achievement of a karate-ka and a solid citizen of society.

- Remain Loyal! Loyalty to self, loyalty to the group, loyalty to society is a hallmark of a true citizen who contributes to the betterment of society. This is not blind but with a true heart in creating a bond among each of us that transcends the ego and creates a feeling of belonging and benefits all.

- Develop Yourself First, let it influence others! Make it your goal to achieve within yourself humility, respect, righteousness, trust, loyalty, will, endurance, perseverance, patience, and courage as your standards in living. At least make a commitment to "Try" every day for your entire life.

- Look Inward First! Make it a personal goal to look within yourself with truth and honesty with the outcome of acknowledgement as to your own foibles; to make it your life's measure to achieve dominance over such foibles; to never allow them to lead you astray from the noble path you have chosen; to never allow them to create disharmony among others; make this a most important trait of your personality and try to achieve the goals of the code daily, moment by moment. Make this your presence as a personal present to yourself.

- Develop Tolerance! Remember tolerance at all costs. Lack of tolerance is unfair to others and opens the door to discontent, anger, and conflict. Put yourself in another's position as if what you say or do effects you and act/adjust accordingly. To remember that everyone is a person; a human being; vulnerable; sensitive and no different than ourselves before you speak or act is important; do it.

- Keep Balance! Keep your balance. Study, train, and practice to achieve balance or In-yo (Yin-yang). Create the one by achieving balance. The ability to achieve balance is a cornerstone of a serene life. Balance in mind and body. To achieve emotional balance leads to life's balance and allows us to follow the way through our code reflecting on others, on society, for all our benefit.

"The goal of the code is not to dictate to others our own personal perspective of what is acceptable or not to an individual or society. It is a personal code for the individual thus is provided in as a generic form as possible to fit everyone. It is a simple guide that assists others in creating a personal life to live that is conducive to creating a society that is humble and serene." - Charles E. James, Okinawa Fighting Art Enthusiast