“‘Ishiki’ (意識) is very important. ‘Awareness – Take more attention and focus’. Without ‘Ishiki’: you wouldn’t realize what is happening here and there. By doing it you see and realize things happening. During everyday training with more attention and focus you will see and realize how your stance, form and technique are. Do not ignore your mistakes. Take more attention and look at yourself. Then fix your mistakes and improve. Otherwise nothing will change and you won’t get better. Not by somebody else telling you but by finding out yourself. You will improve if you do your best. Always do your best.” – Shinji Akita 6th dan Shotokan
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In the martial arts, Ishiki represents heightened awareness, encompassing both external surroundings and internal mindset. It is the state of being fully present, vigilant, and intentional in every movement.
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Whether practicing kata, engaging in kumite, or navigating real-life encounters, Ishiki is the bridge between mind and body, enabling practitioners to respond with precision and purpose. It is the awareness that transforms technique into proficiency and presence into preparedness.
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“Under any circumstance, always do your best, no more and no less. But keep in mind that your best is never going to be the same from one moment to the next…your best will sometimes be high quality, and other times it will not be good.” – The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
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Life doesn’t require that we be the best or demand perfection, only that we give our genuine effort and try our best.
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Written by Adam Carter – Shuri Dojo
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Shinji Akita quote not confirmed.