The 20 Principles
of Master Gichin Funakoshi
1. Karate begins with courtesy and ends
with courtesy.
2. There is no first attack in karate.
3. Karate is an aid to justice.
4. First control yourself before
attempting to control others.
5. Spirit first, technique second.
6. Always be ready to release your mind.
7. Accidents arise from negligence.
8. Do not think that karate training is
only in the dojo.
9. It will take your entire life to learn
karate; there is no limit.
10. Put your everyday living into karate
and you will find "Myo" (subtle secrets).
11. Karate is like boiling water. If you
do not heat it constantly, it will cool.
12. Do not think that you have to win,
think rather that you do not have to lose.
13. Victory depends on your ability to
distinguish vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
14. The battle is according to how you
move guarded and unguarded (move according to your opponent).
15. Think of your hands and feet as
swords.
16. When you leave home, think that you
have numerous opponents waiting for you. It is your behavior that invites
trouble from them.
17. Beginners must master low stance and
posture, natural body positions are for the advanced.
18. Practicing a kata is one thing,
engaging in a real fight is another.
19. Do not forget to correctly apply:
strength and weakness of power, stretching and contraction of the body and
slowness and speed of techniques.
20. Always think and devise ways to live
the 20 Principles every day.
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in
victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its
participants". Gichin Funakoshi