Funakoshi’s (Shotokan) Principals

• Never forget: Karate begins and ends with rei. Rei has the meaning of respect.

• There is no “first hand” in Karate. (Meaning there is no first attack, karate is about self-defense)

• Karate supports righteousness.

• First understand yourself, then understand others.

• The art of mind is more important than the art of technique.

• The mind needs to be freed.

• Trouble is born of negligence.

• Do not think that Karate is only in the dojo.

• The training of Karate requires a lifetime.

• Transform everything into Karate; therein lies the exquisiteness.

• Genuine Karate is like hot water; it cools down if you do not keep heating it.

• Do not have an idea of winning, while the idea of losing is not necessary.

• Transform yourself according to the opponent.

• The outcome of the fight all depends on the maneuver.

• Imagine one’s arms and legs as swords.

• Once you leave the shelter of home there are a million enemies.

• Postures are for the beginner, later they are natural positions.

• Do the kata correctly, the real fight is a different matter.

• Do not forget the dynamics of power, the elasticity of the body, and the speed of technique.

• Always be good at the application of everything you have learned.