Written by the late founder of Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu Karate, Nagamine Shoshin, the Karate-do Sanka (lit. empty hand way song) is something not many people have heard before.

A Karate song.

And it’s not one of those modern rocky ones either, but actually a traditional Okinawan “folk song-style” Karate tribute. Nagamine, who was a direct student under such notable teachers as Taro Shimabuku, Ankichi Arakaki, Chotoku Kyan and Motobu Choki was not only a Karate expert but also a determined Zen practitioner (his Buddhist name being “Fist Mountain”), an appreciated author (his books being highly sought after) and, as we’ll now see, a musician.

This song, “Karate-Do Sanka”, is an attempt by Nagamine to epitomize some of the most important aspects of Okinawan Karate, mixing both shin (heart/soul/spirit) gi (technique) and tai (body) in a true Okinawan style champuru song.

Does he succeed?

You tell me.

Presenting…

Karate-do Sanka by Nagamine Shoshin

Japanese original:

Aa sanjento hi no hikari

Myo gunjorno umi no iro

Saekeki shima no tokonga

Saegigaumishi mute no ken.

Kokoro o Kitau, mi o kitau

Aa, Okinawa no, Karate-do!

Aa ware osou tekki araba

Shurei no kuni ni shingiari

Tetsu no kobushi wa kanzento

Niku o kirasete, hone no utsu

Kokoro o mamaru, Mi o mamaru.

Aa, Okinawa no, Karate-do!

Aa tensenshi kodai yori

Hewa no kane wa naritsutau

Semeru ni arazu fusegu waza

Gotai ga bukizo kono karate

Kokoro o tadasu, mi o tadasu

Aa Okinawa no Karate-do!

English translation:

Ah, beautiful islands of sunlight,

And the color of the sea,

The proud fighting spirit of the Islanders

and the empty handed Sword of Justice.

Hardening both spirit and body

Ah, this is Okinawan Karate-do!

O, but if an enemy should happen to attack us,

and the method of courtesy prove to no avail,

if he should cut our flesh with his iron weapon,

even then we will punch through to his bones.

Defending the soul, protecting the body,

This is Okinawan Karate-do!

O! Ever since the mythical ancestry of Japan,

the bell of peace has been ringing continually in Okinawa.

The way of courtesy and the five bodily weapons of Karate together,

Clears our heart, straightens our body,

This is Okinawan Karate-do!

Coincidentally, here’s a video straight from the sake fumes of an Okinawan izakaya, where some sensei performs the karaoke version: