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Sokon Matsumura 
1809 - 1899

"Bushi" Sokon Matsumura, close advisor to three Ryukyuan kings, provided many of the foundations for the karate-do studied today. He was noted for his study of the  physical as well as metaphysical disciplines, and emphasized the importance of balancing physical development with moral education. He deeply embraced Confucianism and was also known for his mastery of the fine art of calligraphy. The following text was from a scroll written to his prominent student, Ryosei Kuwae, illustrating a basic aim of karate- that "spirit and technique are one."

Takenaga (Bucho) Matsumura
To Kuwae, my fellow pupil
on the thirteenth day of May (c. 1882)

"Make a firm resolution to master the secrets of martial arts, otherwise go away. You must have the firm determination to accomplish the resolution.

The sword and the pen are but one. Literature consists of poetry, exegetics, and Confucianism. A student of poetry works at words and produces sentences in order to seek fame, peerage and fief. A student of exegetics studies Chinese classics to instruct people. He may make a scholar but ignorant of the world. Poetry and exegetics only make people woo fame, thus they are not the true art. Confucianism, however, makes us understand the nature of things. By the teachings on knowledge, honesty, and righteousness one may not only be able to manage a household but govern a country. Thus peace will reign over the land. These are Confucian ideas, the true art.

In the case of martial arts, there are three kinds of pursuers. A scholar pictures many ways of training in his mind so that his moves become like movements of dance; superficial and of no practical use for offense and defense. A normal student of martial arts is a good promiser of victory, but a bad performer. A dispute caused by such a man will harm people as well as himself. It will even bring disgrace upon his parents, brothers and sisters. The true pursuer of martial arts, however, does not idle away his time but accomplishes his talk ingeniously. He controls his mind and watches for a chance. His calm arouses a disturbance among enemies. He then grabs this chance and defeats the enemy. Everything ripens and the mystery of nature shows its secret to the master of martial arts, who has no hesitation or disturbance in his mind even in case of emergency. The power of a tiger and the swiftness of an eagle dwell within him. he defeats enemies completely and shows his loyalty and filial piety. 

There are seven virtues in martial arts: the prohibition of violence, the control of soldiers, the support for people's need, the establishment of distinguished services, the relief of the poor, the settlement of disputes among people and the enrichment of assets. As seen in his teachings, Confucius also praised these virtues. Thus the sword and the pen are but one, whereas the scholar's martial arts and the ostensible martial arts are useless. Therefore study the true literary and martial arts. Be sure to watch for a chance and then strike into the enemy. Keep the above words in mind and practice hard. I wish you understand my unreserved words." 

This historical article was published in the North American Beikoku Shido-kan Association's "25th Anniversary Celebration Commemorative Journal," July, 2001. Copies of this 128 page publication including historical photos, worldwide Shido-kan dojo listings and other relevant material can be ordered from the Activewear/Catalog section of this web site. See item number AC-38.