Musings of a Seeker – 

December 2025 - SetVR XL Unleashed

By Tom Spellman

Seven Precepts of Bu by Bushi Soken Matsumura, an Okinawan perspective

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Karate has long been mistakenly thought to have originated in mainland Japan. The historical

truth is that karate was introduced into Japan from the Island of Okinawa as early as the 1920s. It

gained popularity, became associated with traditional Japanese warrior characteristics, including

the precepts of Bushido (Way of the Warrior). In Japan, the early concepts of Bushido date back

to the Kamakura Shogunate (military protectorate) period (1185-1333) and were later formalized

during the Edo period (1603–1868). The Kamakura Shogunate elevated the Samurai Class

(Bushi warrior class) into power at that time. The shogunate power lasted until the Shogunate

government was abolished in 1868 and the Japanese Emperor was returned to the head of the

country. Bushido is a set of principles unique to the warrior class of Japan, while Okinawa has its

own story.

In Okinawa, King Sho Hashi of Chuzan (1372–1439) unified Okinawa’s three kingdoms,

founding the Ryukyu Kingdom and Shuri as its capital. Okinawa, karate’s birthplace, was

therefore a sovereign nation that had not come under mainland Japan’s and the Tokugawa

Shogunate's control until 1609, when the Satsuma Shimazu clan’s army invaded and conquered

the Ryukyu Kingdom for the remainder of the Edo period. Satsuma influenced their politics and

dominated their trading policies to take advantage of Ryukyu's tributary status with China. 

During this timeframe, Confucianism in Okinawa was notably incorporated with the construction

of the Shiseibyô, a Confucian temple in Kumemura, which was built in 1674. This temple served

as a significant center for Confucian learning and observance in the region. This embracing of

Confucian teachings helped to create a common bridge with the Chinese trade, making Ryukyu’s

foreign trade highly profitable for Okinawa, Japan, and China.

 The top 5 virtues from Confucianism:

• 1. Ren (Humanity): the core virtue in Confucianism, emphasizing compassion and

empathy towards others.

• 2. Li (Propriety): proper behavior and etiquette in social interactions.

• 3. Xiao (Filial Piety): the virtue of showing respect and devotion to one’s parents and

ancestors.

• 4. Zhong (Loyalty): emphasizes loyalty and commitment to one’s relationships,

• 5. Yi (Righteousness): the virtue of doing what is right and just, even in the face of

adversity.

The quintessential Okinawan Karate master was Bushi Soken Matsumura (1809-1889). Versed

in the Chinese Classics, especially Confucius’ benevolent guidelines for individual persons and

nations, not to mention a life of loyal service to his monarchs and country, master of fist and

sword, he led the way.

In Patrick McCarthy’s master work, “Legend of the Fist,” he translates Matsumura’s Seven

Precepts of Bu on page-

The Seven Precepts of Bu written by Matsumura Soken

The preface to the seven Precepts:

• “Through resolve and relentless training, one will grasp the true essence of the fighting

traditions. No less interesting is the fundamental similarity between the fighting traditions and

that of literary study. By examining the literary phenomenon, we discover three separate

elements: 1. The study of Shiso, 2. The study of Kunko and 3. The study of Jukyo.

• “The study of Shiso refers to commanding words, communicative skills, and seeking a position

for wages.”

“The study of Kunko refers to a comparative study of documents and teaching a sense of duty by

example.”

• “The third study of Jukyo is significant in content and message.”

 “It is in the study of Jukyo (Confucianism) that we can find the“Way.” In finding the way, we

can gain a deeper understanding of things, build strength from weakness, and make our feelings

more sincere. Become virtuous and even administer our own affairs more effectively, and in

doing so, make our home a more peaceful place. A precept that can also apply to our country or

the entire world. This then is a complete study, and it is called the Jukyo.”

• “Budo no Bugei (the genuine method) is never practiced without conviction, and participants

cultivate a serene wisdom which knows not contention or vice. Fostering loyalty among family,

friends, and country, a natural decorum encourages a dauntless character.”

• “With the fierceness of a tiger and the swiftness of a bird, an indomitable calmness makes

subjugating any adversary effortless. Yet, Budo no Bugei 1) forbids willful violence, 2) governs

the warrior, 3) fortifies people, 4) fosters virtue, 5) appeases the community, 6) brings about a

general harmony, and 7) prosperity.”

• Matsumura Soken concludes by writing, “Hence, the way of Bun Bu (literally philosophy study

and the fighting traditions often described as the pen and the sword) has mutual features. A

scholar does not play Gakushi (a psychological game of strategy, not suitable for fighting) or

Meimoku no Bugei (purely physical in form, aiming only at winning). “Budo no Bugei” is where

you will find the way. This indomitable fortitude will profoundly affect your judgement in

recognizing opportunity and reacting accordingly, as the circumstances always dictate the

means.”

• The word for war (BU) is made up of characters that don’t suggest conquest or destruction but

rather to “cease conflict”. Perhaps this is the way.