The Code of Isshinryu

1. A person?s heart is the same as Heaven and Earth.

2. The blood circulating is similar to the moon and sun.

3. The manner of drinking and spitting is either hard or soft.

4. The person?s unbalance is the same as a weight.

5. The body should be able to change motion at any time.

6. The time to strike is when opportunity presents itself.

7. The eye must see every way.

8. The ear must listen in all directions.



The Code is subject to many interpretations. Within the Code lie some of the basic principles of the Isshinryu System. It is hoped that you will think throughout the various parts of the Code and apply the ideas to your own situations.
The Isshinryu Code rephrased (numbers are referenced to the code itself): (1) Be in harmony with all things so that (2) your movement (3) can be either blocking (hand) or deflecting (foot) (4) without your being off balance (5) so that you can change direction at any time (6) and strike when the opportunity occurs (7) as you look and (8) listen in all directions.

webmaster@iowa-isshin-ryu-karate.com