The Twenty Principles of Karate

By Gichin Funakoshi

Never forget that Karate begins and ends with respect.
There is no first attack in Karate
Karate is an aid to righteousness and justice.
First know yourself, then know others.
Focus on mental technique - not physical technique.
Always have an open mind.
Accidents and misfortune are caused by neglect.
Never think that Karate is only practiced in the Dojo.
Karate is a life long pursuit.
Apply Karate to your everyday life and you will find the secret of it.
Karate is like boiling water; if you do not heat it constantly, it will cool.
Do not think about winning, think about not losing.
Always respond in accordance to your opponent.
Always battle in the most effective stances and positions.
Think of your hands and feet as sharp swords.
Step out the door and you face ten thousand foes.
Beginners must master low stances and posture; natural body positions are for the advanced.
Practicing forms is one thing, real combat is another matter.
Never forget your own strengths and weaknesses, the limitations of your body, and the relative quality of your techniques.
Continuously increase your knowledge and understanding of the world around you.


	The Twenty Principles of Karate By Gichin Funakoshi Never forget that Karate begins and ends with respect. There is no first attack in Karate Karate is an aid to righteousness and justice. First know yourself, then know others. Focus on mental technique - not physical technique. Always have an open mind. Accidents and misfortune are caused by neglect. Never think that Karate is only practiced in the Dojo. Karate is a life long pursuit. Apply Karate to your everyday life and you will find the secret of it. Karate is like boiling water; if you do not heat it constantly, it will cool. Do not think about winning, think about not losing. Always respond in accordance to your opponent. Always battle in the most effective stances and positions. Think of your hands and feet as sharp swords. Step out the door and you face ten thousand foes. Beginners must master low stances and posture; natural body positions are for the advanced. Practicing forms is one thing, real combat is another matter. Never forget your own strengths and weaknesses, the limitations of your body, and the relative quality of your techniques. Continuously increase your knowledge and understanding of the world around you.
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