“….Karate men have to be careful of their behavior. Never break a promise. If
we keep a promise to each other, we don’t need to make laws. Never make
trouble with others. Be kind to others and be strict on yourselves.” ??
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Meitoku Yagi 10th dan Goju Ryu (1912-2003)
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Meitoku Yagi (八木明徳 Yagi Meitoku, born March 6, 1912 in Naha, Okinawa – died February 7, 2003) was a karate master and teacher. He learned Goju-ryu from its legendary founder Chojun Miyagi.
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On April 29, 1986, Emperor Hirohito named Yagi a Living National Treasure (ningen kokuho) for his contributions to the martial arts.
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In 1997 he was recognized as Okinawan Prefecture’s Intangible Cultural Asset and Dai Sensei (Top Teacher) 10th Dan.
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Yagi’s lineage is traced to 36 Chinese immigrant families who came to Okinawa in 1392. Yagi began training under Chojun Miyagi at the age of 14.
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After the death of Chojun Miyagi in 1953, Yagi opened a dojo in the Daido district of Naha. He named his school Goju-ryu Meibukan, “the house of the pure minded warrior”. In 1963, the Miyagi family selected Meitoku Yagi to inherit Miyagi’s system, and presented him with the Master’s belt and uniform.
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Meitoku Yagi stated that we should; “Never break a promise.”; The problem is that sometimes people don’t understand the promises they’re making when they make them. There are some things you don’t have to promise. You just do…. But remember that promises are only as strong as the person who gives them. Therefore don’t make promises you can’t keep.
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Where making a pledge means nothing. Where promises are made to be broken, it would be nice to see words come back into power.??
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“The best way to keep one’s word is not to give it.” – Napoleon Bonaparte.

With thanks to Meibukan Goju Ryu