Kokoro — Strong Spirit 心
Our strong spirit is the mortar that holds together the bricks of our life. We develop skills and knowledge, and our strong spirit gives us the opportunity to craft an amazing self with them.
Yama no chōjō ni wa ōku pasu — Many Paths Up the Mountain 山の頂上には多くパス
There are many ways to achieve our goals; but as we go about climbing ever upwards, we have to be careful that the paths we follow are indeed our paths, and not someone else's path.
Ichi-go ichi-e — One Moment, One Meeting 一期一会
Each moment in our life is unique and precious. We must value and experience them with the attention and focus they deserve. And for those moments that bring us unhappiness and disappointment, we must learn to let them slip from our grasp.
Mochi wa Mochiya — Rice Cakes from a Rice Cake Shop 餅は餅屋
As karateka, we have to understand that many of the challenges we encounter have been encountered by others before us, and we can benefit from that wisdom; and more importantly, the nature of things and people is fundamental to them, and we must work with that nature and in accordance with it.
Chajin no Monozuki — Curiosity of the Tea Masters 茶人の物好き
Curiosity and the appreciation of all things in all depths is an important part of karatedō and the key to constantly improving ourselves and growing our knowledge of the people and world around us.