The 20 Precepts of Funakoshi

Scripture of the 20 Precepts of Funakoshi

  1. In karate start with a bow and finish with a bow.

  2. There is no first strike in karate.

  3. Karate is a great assistance to justice.

  4. Know yourself first and then others.

  5. Spirit first, technique second.

  6. Be ready to relax your mind.

  7. Accidents come out of idleness.

  8. Do not think you can learn Karate only in the dojo.

  9. It will take your entire life to learn karate.

  10. Karate is everything.

  11. Karate is just like hot water, if you do not give heat constantly, it will again become cold water.

  12. Do not think you have to win, think, rather, that you do not have to lose.

  13. Victory depends on your ability to tell vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.

  14. Move according to your opponent.

  15. Consider your opponent’s hands and legs as sharp swords.

  16. As soon as you leave home for work, think that millions of opponents are waiting for you.

  17. Low stance for beginners, natural stance for advanced.

  18. Practicing Kata is one thing and engaging in a real fight is another.

  19. Do not forget:

    (a) Light and heavy applications of power

    (b) Expansion and contraction of the body

    (c) Slowness and speed of technique

  20. Devise at all times.