Principles: A compilation of fundamental principles that guide the individual martial artist to the ideal actions. The basic set of principles provide a path to martial power open to all martial systems, a path that crosses all boundaries of style without compromising the techniques of the original discipline.

"Principles of martial systems are, or should be, the common denominators between anatomy, physics, kinesiology, biomechanics and psychology in the context of martial arts. They guide us and teach us understanding of ourselves, our bodies and how they/we relate to others and to movement in general." - Steven J. Pearlman, The Book of Martial Power

Fundamentals or "basics" in Isshinryu are the upper and lower exercises which are comprised of some exercises and both hand and foot techniques. Basics is the word provided by Americans and in my opinion are negative in their connotations. Giving folks the impression once you learn them well enough to move on to kumite and kata you can forget them completely (unless you plan on becoming a teacher, etc.).

Tatsuo didn't create the basics of Isshinryu. One of his most senior practitioners put them together and it was taught to students, both Okinawan and American.

"A basic is an introduction. A fundamental is a foundation. A fundamental is a premise, idea, or fact that an entire system arises from and is based on. A fundamental determines the shape of  what arises from it, much as a foundation of a house dictates its layout. A basic is how you introduce people you are teaching to the system. It is a beginning concept, often simplified to assist learning. If a fundamental is the foundation, a basic is the front door to enter the system." - Marc MacYoung - Secrets of Effective Offense - Chapter Eight: Blocking and Deflecting - page 124.

You practice basics so you can ingrain fundamentals. The novice, beginner, works on the gross movement; advanced practitioners focus on different aspects, making little tweaks and adjustments. Basics can be learned in five minutes, but fundamentals can take years to fully understand.

Basic Waza: I have had a misconception about the basics of Isshinryu and for that matter any set of basic techniques taught in any martial system. The misconception is that one "must practice them forever." I am wrong.

What must remain intact and constant through out the entire life of any martial system is the fundamental principles of the martial system. Basics or basic waza/techniques are there to help fledgling practitioners to move up and into kata, etc. It is good to have them practice these throughout the time they spend in the "mu-dan-sha" or "kyu" levels of training and practice.

I now believe that you can do two things with basic waza when you reach Sho-dan. You can continue practicing them yet you must, like kata in time, allow them to become unique to you and your practice. Adjustments and such are needed to assist them in adjusting to your body, weight, mental or psychological make up, etc. As you progress and implement the principal of economical motion those basic waza will change anyway.

Use them if you will just as you would the kata bunkai, etc. and lets not forget they can be used in self-protection training, etc. Now, as a Sho-dan there is only one reason you would want to remain true to the originals. As an associate instructor you must remain steadfast in their practice as originally created so you can teach them to fledgling practitioners/students. Otherwise, don't practice them or do, your choice.

Remember, fundamental principles of martial systems remains steady and true. Basics/Basic Waza don't unless specific needs or circumstances call for it.

WhWhen asked about the basics of your practice what is it you say to the person asking the question? A set of upper and lower techniques? A specified group of techniques in combination's, much like very short kata, or maybe some exercises like stretching, etc.?

Is there more to the basics/fundamentals than this? Yes, there is, the fundamentals/basics of a system reach a lot farther than what most perceive and practice. When I began teaching I did much the same and called my upper/lower set of techniques and warm up exercises the "basics of Isshinryu" when in reality there were so many more aspects. In reality basics don't exist. The upper and lower techniques are a part of the larger fundamentals and must integrate the universal martial principles as one progresses.

Making a proper fist is a basic. Learning about body dynamics and alignments are also the fundamental principles to the system of practice. Learning how to connect the dots to create more energy, that is the chi/ki references, where those techniques when learned will have meaning, intent, and effectiveness, etc.

Strategy, that fundamental strategy that becomes a part of you that you use exclusively for self protection, that is a fundamental of the system. Fundamental tactics are also the basics of the system.

Chinkuchi, muchimi-te, chinkuchi kakin, Chinkuchi nu nujisashi is a fundamental of the system. Proper breathing technique is a fundamental as well. Koshi is a fundamental.

On the less physical side we also have the goku-i which is a fundamental of the system as well. It deals a bit more with the training of the mind, etc. Lets not forget that attaining knowledge about aspects of the fighting arts are also very fundamental as well such as those things that make up violent attacks and the persons who do violent behaviors. If you don't have that knowledge what does the brain/mind draw on to trigger the instincts of self protection?

Dachi or stances, back to the physical, are also fundamentals of the system that involve the bodies foundation which connects it to the body mechanics, dynamics, alignments, etc. which are? Yes, the fundamentals of the system of practice and training.

Learning how the techniques work and how they are applied to any situation is also a fundamental of the system be it another mind/brain training technique. Lets not forget the bunkai in its most basic form, the foundation from which all else derives. What about imagery involving not only the imagination but those psychological and emotional aspects as well. Fundamentals! Those foundational aspects that make the system work and require diligent practice in every facet on a day to day basis, forever.

Physics of the system, mind/brain to intent/action of the system, another fundamental basic of the system.

You may say that most of what I put forth are considered by some circles as the "advanced aspects" of the system but not really. This should be the stuff you ingrain into your practice from the very start. It is NOT an aspect that is taught at only the beginning because you have to do it to get to the cool stuff but a system that creates the core of your practice and is drawn upon continuously through out your training/practice and life as a FA/MA.

Other types of knowledge are often considered mundane and often overlooked because of this such as:

- proficiency comes from practice, practice, practice
- proficiency comes from repetition, repetition, repetition.
- look at what goes on around you in the dojo, listen actively to what is said all around you in the dojo, and lean everything you can that occurs in the dojo, outside the dojo and in life.
- remember that above all attitude is paramount in the practice of any art.
- courtesies are not just things we do in the dojo, all things done in the dojo have purpose; just ask why?
- focus and concentration are also of great importance for inattention means loss of knowledge and possible injury.
- knowing the difference between self protective and competitive forms of practice must be distinctly separate to eliminate confusions.
- kata are not just dance routines to perfect movement, there is more…
- knowledge of how the body, mind, spirit work and the effects of stress and such things are a must to understand self protection, survival, etc.

All of this and more are the "BASICS" of the system. A preferred term for me is actually "FUNDAMENTALS" so as to eliminate any confusion or misinterpretations as to what basics are as they are more than just learning a few simply physical attributes and then forgetting them there after. We can assume that the universal martial principles are fundamentals but you may want to refer to them as "fundamental martial principles."

Much like my tirades on kata and its practice the fundamental martial principles are even more important to understand and learn. If it is easy to do and practice then maybe there is something missing, could it be the fundamental martial principles?

I came back in to add something I personally feel is the most important fundamental of the FA/MA and life. "Self Evaluation" and "Self-Honesty" are fundamentals that if not taught, learned, and proficient in will lead you down a path of nothingness. We have to be able to turn our critical eye inward, remain totally honest no matter what with ourselves, and have an ability to allow ourselves to be wrong and open to much more than our personal story, the one we use to feel safe and good. Stepping outside the box of safety and comfort may be the most important fundamental ever, can you do it?