- Karate-do begins with courtesy and ends with rei.
- There is no first strike in karate.
- Karate is an aid to justice.
- First know yourself before attempting to know others.
- Spirit first, technique second.
- Always be ready to release your mind.
- Accidents arise from negligence.
- Do not think that karate training is only in the dojo.
- It will take your entire life to learn karate, there is no limit.
- Put your everyday living into karate and you will find “Myo” (subtle secrets).
- Karate is like boiling water, if you do not heat it constantly, it will cool.
- Do not think that you have to win, think rather that you do not have to lose.
- Victory depends on your ability to distinguish vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
- The out come of the battle depends on how you handle weakness and strength.
- Think of your opponents hands and feet as swords.
- When you leave home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you.
- Beginners must master low stance and posture, natural body positions are for the advanced.
- Practicing a kata exactly is one thing, engaging in a real fight is another.
- Do not forget to correctly apply: strength and weakness of power, stretching and contraction of
- the body, and slowness and speed of techniques.
- Always think and devise ways to live the precepts of karate-do 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, Shotokai
