Niju Kun
Master Gichin Funakoshi believed that the most important point of Karate-do is “spiritual rather than physical matters”. He discusses both positive and negative aspects of karate, telling us Karate-do can be misused if it is misunderstood.
Those who want to learn karate must understand what karate really is. Then the student must learn to use the techniques and skills properly.
Master Funakoshi explained his original philosophy of Karate-do in the "Niju Kun" or "twenty precepts".
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Karate begins with a "Rei" (bow) and finishes with a "Rei"
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In karate, never attack first
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One who practices karate must follow the way of justice
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Know yourself first, then you can know others
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Spirit and mind is more important than technique
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Be ready to release your mind
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Misfortune comes out of idleness
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Don’t think that what you learn from karate can’t be used outside the dojo
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It will take your entire life to learn karate
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Put karate into your everyday living; that is how you will see its true beauty.
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Karate is just like hot water; if you do not give it continuous heat, it will become cold
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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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Move according to your opponent
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In conflict you must discern the vulnerable from invulnerable points
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Consider your opponent’s legs and arms as you would lethal swords
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Be aware at all times that you have millions of potential opponents
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For full awareness in natural stance, you must practice ready position as a beginner
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Practicing kata is one thing; engaging in a real fight is another
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Do not forget:
(1) Strength and weakness of power
(2) Contraction and expansion of the body
(3) Slowness and speed of techniques
20. Always create and devise
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Karate-do wa rei ni hajimari rei ni owaru koto a wasaru na
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Karate ni sente nashi
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Karate wa, gi no taske
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Mazu onore o shire, shikashite ta o shire
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Gijitsu yori shinjitsu
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Kokoro wa hanatan koto o yosu
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Waza wai wa ketai ni seizu
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Dojo nomino karate to omou na
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Karate-do no shugyo wa isssho de aru
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Ara yuru mono o karateka seyo; sokoni myomi ari
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Karate Wa Yu No Gotoku Taezu Netsu O Atae Zareba Motono Mizuni Kaeru
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Katsu kangae wa motsuna; makenu kangae wa hitsuyo
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Tekki ni yotte tenka seyo
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Tattakai wa kyo-jitsu no soju ikan ni ari
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Hi to no te-ashi wa ken to omoe
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Danshi mon o izureba hyakuman no teki ari
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Kamae wa shoshinsha ni atowa shizentai
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Kata wa tadashiku, jisen wa betsumono
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Chikara no kyojaku tai no shinshuku waza no kankyu
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Tsune ni shinen ku fu seyo
