THE TWENTY PRECEPTS OF KARATE DO
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Karate-do begins with courtesy and ends with a bow.
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There is no first strike in karate.
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Karate is an aid to justice.
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First know yourself before attempting to know others.
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Spirit first, technique second.
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Always be ready to release your mind.
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Accidents arise from negligence.
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Do not think that karate training is only in the dojo.
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It will take your entire life to learn karate, there is no limit.
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Put your everyday living into karate and you will find “Myo” (subtle secrets).
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Karate is like boiling water, if you do not heat it constantly, it will cool.
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Do not think that you have to win, think rather that you do not have to lose.
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Victory depends on your ability to distinguish vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
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The outcome of the battle depends on how you handle weakness and strength.
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Think of your opponents hands and feet as swords.
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When you leave home think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you.
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Beginners must master low stance and posture, natural body positions are for the advanced.
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Practicing a Kata exactly is one thing, engaging in a real fight is another.
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Do not forget to correctly apply: strength and weakness of power, stretching and contraction of the body, and slowness and speed of techniques.
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Always think and devise ways to live the precepts of karate-do every day.
These precepts were laid down for the contemplation of the students. Before a training session think of any one of them and constantly remind yourself of it during and after the session. Try to find the deeper meaning!!
