Shoto Niju Kun - the twenty precepts of Gichin Funakoshi
Inspired by the Ten Articles of Karate by Sensei Itosu, Sensei Funakoshi recorded his own Twenty Precepts (published in 1938), excellent advice for all students of karate.
| • | Karate begins and ends with rei (courtesy and respect) |
| • | There is no first attack in karate |
| • | Karate stands on the side of justice |
| • | Know yourself before attempting to know others |
| • | Mentatlity is more important than technique |
| • | Set free your mind |
| • | Calamity springs from carelessness |
| • | Karate goes beyond the dojo |
| • | Karate is a life-long pursuit |
| • | Apply the way of karate to all things - therein lies its beauty |
| • | Karate is like boiling water - it must be kept heated or it will cool |
| • | Do not think of winning - think, rather, of not losing |
| • | Make adjustments according to your opponent |
| • | The outcome of a battle depends on how one handles emptiness and fullness (weakness/strength, hard/soft) |
| • | Think of the opponent's hands and feet as swords |
| • | When you step beyond your own gate you face a million enemies |
| • | Formal stances are for beginners - later one stands naturally |
| • | Perform kata exactly; actual combat is another matter |
| • | Do not forget the employment or withdrawal of power, the extension or contraction of the body, the swift or leisurely application of technique |
| • | Be constantly mindful, diligent, and resourceful in your pursuite of the Way (Karate-Do) |
"The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat,
but in the perfection of the character of its participants"
- Gichin Funakoshi