Library › 10. Philosophy
In Gōjū-Ryū, karate is understood not only as technique but as a way (Dō, 道). This chapter gathers the philosophical concepts and sources that keep appearing in the martial arts of Japan and Okinawa: states of mind such as Shoshin and Zanshin, the teaching of the elements, Shintō and Daoism, the timing of initiative (Sen), the ideal of pen and sword (Bunbu Ryōdō), the meaning of the term Budō, the seven virtues of Bushidō, the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi (宮本武蔵), the eight teachings of the Kempō Hakku, the Bubishi as a source text, the research-based approach of Koryū Uchinadi with the HAPV theory, breathing with Ibuki and Nogare (closely tied to the kata Sanchin in the Kata chapter), the types of body tension and the tradition of the Meibukan.
The pages are meant as an introduction and reference. Where traditions are legends or sources contradict each other, the text says so.
Contents of this chapter
- States of mind
- Five elements
- Shintō
- Dao
- Sen – initiative and timing
- Bunbu Ryōdō
- Budō – way of the warrior or way of not fighting?
- 7 virtues
- Miyamoto Musashi
- Kempō Hakku
- Bubishi
- Koryū Uchinadi and HAPV
- Breathing – Ibuki and Nogare
- Body tension
- Meibukan philosophy
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