GICHIN FUNAKOSHI’S TWENTY GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) the father of modern Karate, was born in Okinawa. He was one of the first Okinawan masters to teach Karate on the Japanese mainland, where he established the shotokan school in Tokyo. Funakoshi summoned up his views on the way of Karate in the twenty principles.
1. Never forget that Karate begins and ends with respect.
2. There is no first attack in Karate.
3. Karate fosters righteousness.
4. First know yourself, then others.
5. Rather than physical technique, mental technique.
6. Let your mind roam freely.
7. Inattentionand neglect cause misfortune.
8. Never think that Karate is practised only in the training hall.
9. Karate is a lifelong pursuit.
10. Everything you encounter is an aspect of Karate, find the marvellous truth there.
11. Karate is like boiling water, if you do not keep the flame high ( with continual training ) it turns tepid.
12. Do not think about winning, think about not losing.
13. Respond in accordance to your opponent.
14. Wage the battle with natural strategy.
15. Regards your hands and feet as weapons.
16. Step out of the door and you face 10,000 foes.
17. Learn various stances as a beginner, but the relly on a natural posture.
18. The traditional forms must be practised correctly, real combat is another matter.
19. Never forget your own strengths and weaknesses, the limitations of your body and the relative quality of your techniques.
20. Continually polish your mind.