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.
