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THE EIGHTFOLD PATH
by
Harry G. Smith
A series of eight writings containing
a philosophical approach to the Code of Isshinryu using ancient wisdom.
Shihan Harry G. Smith's (9th
dan Isshinryu karate) first book: "Introduction to The ORIGINAL ISSHINRYU
KARATE SYSTEM" is also an introduction text to The Eightfold Path book
series.
 The Eightfold path is also
known as the 'Code of Isshinryu' and the '8 precepts of Quanfa'
(as can be found in the book called "The Bubishi"). This plan applies to
all the martial arts. Every martial art has its own name and
interpretation.
The core of this plan is zen
breathing methods.
In studying The Eightfold Path
we will make use of the kata as set forth by Harry G. Smith's sensei, Tatsuo
Shimabukuro (1908-1975). Sanchin kata is taught first, and also taught last
as the 8th koan.
THE EIGHTFOLD PATH:
Path #1: SANCHIN
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- Right
Understanding
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Koan:
The person's heart is same as heaven and earth |
2007
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Path #2: SEISAN
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- Right
Thought
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Koan:
The blood circulating is almost same as the moon
and the sun |
2008
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Path #3: SEIUNCHIN
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- Right
Action
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Koan:
The manner of drinking and spitting is either hard
or soft |
2008
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Path #4: NAIHANCHI
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- Right
Speech
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Koan:
The person's unbalance is the same as a weight |
2009
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Path #5: WANSU
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- Right
Livelihood
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Koan:
The body should be able to change motion at any
time |
2009
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Path #6: CHINTO
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- Right
Effort
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Koan:
Action to hit is when the opportunity presents
itself |
2010
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Path #7: KUSANKU
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- Right
Mindfulness
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Koan:
The eye must see every way |
2010
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Path #8: SANCHIN
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- Right
Concentration
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Koan:
The ear must listen in all directions |
2011
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SUNSU, the last empty hand kata of
Isshinryu Karate-do, is the kata of Tatsuo Shimabukuro, not of the
Eightfold path.
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