Master Funakoshi's Twenty Precepts:

Those who want to learn karate must first understand what karate really is, then learn how to use the techniques and skills properly. In the first chapter of Master Funakoshi's book, Karate-do Kyohan , he tells us the most important point of karate-do is "spiritual rather than physical matters." He discusses both positive and negative aspects of karate, stating that karate-do can be misused if it is misunderstood. To truly understand the art, it is necessary to reflect on Master Funakoshi's original philosophy of karate-do as he explained it in the Niju Kun, or twenty precepts.

1. Karate is not only dojo training.

2. Don't forget that karate begins and ends with a bow.

3. In karate, never attack first.

4. One who practices karate must follow the way of justice.

5. First you must know yourself. Then you can know others.

6. Spiritual development is paramount; technical skills are merely a means to an end.

7. You must release your mind.

8. Misfortune comes out of laziness.

9. Karate is a lifelong training.

10. Put karate into everything you do.

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

12. Do not think that you have to win. Think 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 you would sharp swords.

16. When you leave home, think that millions of opponents are waiting for you.

17. Ready position for beginners and natural position for advanced students.

18. Kata is one thing. Engaging in a real fight is another.

19. Do not forget 1) strength and weakness of power, 2) expansion and contraction of the body, 3) slowness and speed of techniques.

20. Devise at all times.