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—Matsumura Bucho, May 13th (c. 1882)

Matsumura’s makimono is brief, but imparts an invaluable message to all those who may be unfamiliar with the true essence and aims of karate-do: bun bu ryo dō. This emphasizes bun bu ichi nyo, which considers the physical and philosophical as one. There can be no question that Sokon was the man most responsible for this priceless contribution to karate-do. In fact, by way of Matsumura’s makimono, we can conclude that he was principally responsible for proclaiming that the essence of bu (karate-do) in Okinawa meant cultivating these virtues, values, and principles.

If one thoroughly considers Matsumura’s precepts it becomes evident that his message is the fundamental concept of humanity, and its understanding is crucial to the development of shingitai (lit., spirit, technique, body; referring to the development of an indomitable spirit through the use of physical technique). However, during this generation of materialism in Japan, people seem to be more preoccupied with possessions rather than the pursuit of such a spirit.