The First Lesson

In Isshinryu, the very first thing they teach is the fist. How to form that perfect vertical fist. I often wonder now whether that was appropriate, and after forty-four years have decided that it is NOT the first lesson.

The very first lesson begins with learning how to quiet and focus the mind. You learn to let your emotions slough away, to seek a calm mind, to let patience rule, and to achieve balance to rein. If you enter the dojo without some degree of rational thought then maybe the dojo is not the place for you.

Making the isshinryu fist is mere salesmanship on its symbolism inherent only in that system as created by those who missed the true intent of its founder, at least to my beliefs.

Harnessing the mind is the only way to control and apply the very system that epitomizes the vanity of human violence. 

In today’s world teaching the fist lesson would be my true objective and those who would do otherwise do no one benefit.