Isshinryu's Main Goal

This goal is simply the intro to the system, there are so many more steps and the goals are fluid; they change as we progress!

"Isshinryu's main goal is to perfect of oneself through physical and mental development. As students learn they acquire self-confidence, serenity, and humility." - Vertical Fist Web Site "What is Isshinryu Karate?"

I keep researching this one as it would connect to the "spirit in which Tatsuo wanted" us to practice his system. [oh, this statement also falls under the heading of, "How would I know if this or that is the intended spirit of Tatsuo Sensei?"] Yes, anyone who practices "any system" of karate or martial art can, if they have that intent, acquire self-confidence, serenity, and humility. Where I have a bit of difference is in saying, as if they heard it from Tatsuo Sensei's very lips, that Isshinryu's main goal is to ...

Is it, in my somewhat humble opinion Isshinryu's main goal is to teach us out to compete in sport karate, to fight in the so called school yard scuffle, i.e. the social monkey dance. You can, it the intent is there, achieve both a better physical and mental fitness but as to the main goal, not to me. It is more of a side benefit of practicing.

Isshinryu's main goal, main purpose, what was taught to military on Okinawa in the late fifties and sixties is to fight and to win what Tatsuo Sensei called "karate matches." Well, actually the silk certificate of promotion says on some, "I also recognize him as 6 dan due to his success in the karate matches in which he participated." Success may or may not mean to win.

So, I will amend my view. I believe the main goal of Isshinryu is to participate in and be successful in karate matches, learn the basic's of the system, and to continue the practice and study of Isshinryu after the one year tour/return to the states. This is what many of the so-called first generation students as well as the silk certificates indicated. He may or may not have wanted us to pursue the esoteric side of Tatsuo's customs by the receipt of a silk copy of the ken-po goku-i.

In reality above and beyond my statement of the goals all else is simply self indulgent egoistic posturing to feel good and to be perceived as something special above others.