Modern karate was first demonstrated in Japan in 1922 by Gichin Funakoshi,
the founder of modern karate. However the history of karate stretches
further back than this to the Ryukyu Islands off the coast of Japan, today
known as Okinawa.
The 20 precepts (aka extras to a high fitness level from doing karate)
Karate-do begins with courtesy and ends with a bow.
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 outcome 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.
