Words of Wisdom from Our Founder



John E Doub-Soke

Another wise person once said that it is commonplace to make something complicated out of something simple, but to truly simplify something complicated is awesome. A mark of a truly good orator and a deep thinker is to be able to simplify that which is complex so that it becomes "obvious" for everyone upon hearing it. Doub-Soke had this wonderful ability and he shared it with all of us. Frost-Sensei described a particular Soke Gem as being "so simple yet it defines every moment that we live on this earth."

So, remember that some of these are "obvious", but they all have many different interpretations and applications in our lives. As Coe-Sensei put it about one of his favorite Soke sayings, "There are layers of meaning in this simple statement that will come to you when you are ready to receive it."

Are you ready to receive the message? Please read some of them we found useful:



RE: General Use


"The time is now."

"Solve all problems."

"Life's a dance!"

"Brothers are stars who shine in different galaxies."

"Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem."

"There are no atheists in fox-holes."

"Never live your life in fear."

"If the behavior continues, the level of pain has not gotten high enough."

"Don't worry - we have all the time in the world."

"If you can count the number of your friends with the fingers in your one hand, then you are very lucky."

"Call a friend for help in the middle of a stormy night, if he/she comes - you are blessed with a true friend."

"Do not react - respond."

"Do not think - do something."

"BE AWARE!!!!!!" (with his booming voice)

"Be humble but not weak."

"Many wars have been fought because 'meekness' was mistaken for 'weakness'."

"FOCUS."

"The truth is the truth".

"The sword of truth is sheathed in the scabbard of tactfulness, because the truth is a double-edged blade."

"Truth is NOT relative."

"When people say they are seeking to find 'the' answer, that would assume that they have asked themselves 'the' question."

"The difference between Accuracy & Precision: Precision is estimating each of the buildings properly. Accuracy is making sure you haven't missed any of the buildings."

"Treat people right."





RE: Primarily for Combat


"Combat is 'business' not personal. Your mind should be empty of emotion...Bushi-no-kami."

"First, destroy your opponents ability to fight, then his will to fight."

"Nose to navel."

"Uproot your opponent."

"Sink."

"Hug the bear."

"Never go Chi to Chi; close the door and attack from the outside."

"Be like a buzzsaw, never stop, continue advancing until the job is done."

"The Yi leads the Qi to the Jing."

"It's not Tai Chi fighting unless it's calm, soft, precise, and efficient."