The name "Goju-Ryu" was selected from a line from this poem written in the "Bubishi". The Okinawan Bubishi relates directly to the early development of karate in Okinawa, the Bubishi has been handed down for generations in Okinawa through the Meiji era, down through the Taisho period and into the present Showa period. The Bubishi is considered to be very rich in martial knowledge and is probably the one single document most treasured by all Okinawan masters.


1. The mind is one with heaven and earth.

2. The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar to the cycle of the sun and the moon.

3. The way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness.

4. Act in accordance with time and change.

5. Techniques will occur in the absence of conscious thought.

6. The feet must advance and retreat, separate and meet.

7. The eyes do not miss even the slightest change.

8. The ears listen well in all directions.