20 Precepts of Shotokan Karate
  • Karate begins with courtesy and ends with courtesy.
  • There is no first attack in Karate.
  • Karate is an aid to justice.
  • First control yourself before attempting to control 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 battle is according to how you move guarded and unguarded (move according to your opponent).
  • Think of your hands and feet as swords.
  • When you leave home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you. It is your behaviour that invites trouble from them.
  • Beginners must master low stance and posture, natural body positions are for the advanced.
  • Practising a kata 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 every day.
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