The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate
By Gichin Funakoshi, Founder of Karate-Do
Gichin Funakoshi (1868 – 1957), the “father of karate,” once said “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.”
To support this life-long viewpoint, and offer guidance to future practitioners, Funakoshi, who was also a poet and philosopher, penned twenty principles for the spiritual and mental development of his students.
Master Funakoshi’s approach stresses spiritual considerations and mental agility over brute strength and technique.
Karate practitioners should not rely alone on striking, kicking, blocking, but should, as well, focus on the spiritual aspects of their practice.
Attend to yourself and the rest will follow, was Funakoshi’s message for posterity.
- Do not forget that karate-do begins and ends with rei.
- There is no first strike in karate.
- Karate stands on the side of justice.
- First know yourself, then others.
- Mentality over technique.
- The mind must be set free.
- Calamity springs from carelessness.
- Karate goes beyond the dojo.
- Karate is a lifelong pursuit.
- Apply the way of karate to all things. Therein lies its beauty.
- Karate is like boiling water: without heat, it returns to its tepid state.
- Do not think of winning. Think rather of not losing.
- Make adjustments according to your opponent.
- The outcome of a battle depends on how one handles emptiness and fullness (weakness and strength).
- Think of the opponents hands and feet as swords.
- When you step beyond your own gate, you face a million enemies.
- Kamae (ready stance) is for beginners; later one stands in shizentai (natural stance).
- Perform kata exactly; actual combat is another matter.
- Do not forget the employment or withdrawal of power, the extension or contraction of the body, the swift or leisurely application of technique.
- Be constantly mindful, diligent, and resourceful in your pursuit of the Way.
Reference Book
The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate
The Spiritual Legacy of the Master
By Gichin Funakoshi with commentaries by Genwa Nakasone and translated by John Teramoto
Published by Kodansha International; 2003
ISBN 4-7700-2796-6
(Available at Amazon.com or Buy.com for about $11.00)
When they were first published in 1938, Funakoski’s twenty principles were expanded with commentaries compiled by Genwa Nakasone and approved by the master. While the principles have circulated for years, this book is the first English translation of the commentaries.
