"Do not move unless it is advantageous...

Do no execute unless it is effective...

Do not challenge unless it is critical..."

~ Sun Tzu

"Simplicity is the shortest distance between two points"

~ Bruce Lee

"Progress comes to those who train and train; reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere."

~ Morihei Ueshiba

"Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend."

~ Bruce Lee

"To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy with out fighting is the highest skill."

~ Gichin Funakoshi

"When two tigers fight, one is certain to be maimed, and one to die."

~ Gichin Funakoshi

"The teaching of one virtous person can influence many. That which has been learned well by one generation can be passed onto a hundred ."

~ Jigoro Kano

"1-2 out of every 100 students reach Black Belt and of those only 1 out of every 1,000 achieves his 2nd Dan."

~ Masutatsu Oyama

Mon Gaku

 

Mon

The Sho Chiku Bai Mon (Pine, Bamboo, Plum Crest) is the basic foundation of study for all Kosho Ryu practitioners, and for that matter, all traditional martial artists. The study of the mon is known as Mon Gaku. The Sho Chiku Bai crest of Kosho Ryu has elements that are over 750 years old. Crests that are developed in modern times do not have the roots and historical significance represented in the Sho Chiku Bai.

There are three ways of looking at the crest and its meaning. Interpretation is taught in order of importance as follows.

The spiritual and philosophical study is most important. This study has a tendency to keep the practitioner in line with his environment and himself in relation to any potential conflict. We must understand that we are responsible for everything we do as human beings.

The second representation is that of the physical study. This study deals with avoidance of direct physical conflict with any individual. We can manipulate either body movement or body position so that we may escape harm. This is the highest level of study in Kosho relating to the physical arts: to do no harm.

The third representation is the study of destructive arts. These arts are utilized only when there is no alternative. The study of this particular aspect of Kosho Ryu is the most important, and yet the least important.