Kyoshi Gamini Soysa, 8th dan Shorinryu Shorinkan

Ippon

The Ippon philosophy is the heart of traditional karatedo.

Literally, ippon means "one point " It has significance in traditional karate-do because the

one point represents a killing blow. All of your training and spirit is contained within that one

technique. The philosophy behind karatedo training is that there is only one chance to succeed.

Every technique is delivered as though it were the one chance for survival. That means that you are

completely commited to the technique--there is nothing held back, nothing held in reserve. In fact

in a perfect ippon moment, there is no thught at all--just the technique. The ippon philosophy involves

being completely focused on the confrontation , so that when an opportunity presents itself, you have no

hesitation in your attack.