Funakoshi's 20 Precepts

[supergroup7]

I can't pick one out of the 20 precepts that I can appreciate more than the others, as they each have their own lesson to teach me.

The founder of my Art, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama created the following mottoes:

1.  The Martial Arts way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore be properly and genuinely courteous at all times.

2.  Following the Martial Arts way is like scaling a cliff - continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering devotion to the task at hand.

3.  Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or thoughtlessness.

4.  Even for the Martial Arts practitioner, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become attached to it.

5.  The Martial Arts way is cantered on posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times.

6.  The Martial Arts way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of training.

7.  In the Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to improve.

8.  The nature and purpose of Martial Arts is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of hard training.

9.  The Martial Arts begin with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stem from this principal.

10.  The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realized through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its demand.

11.  Always remember; In the Martial Arts, the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant.

[james4949]

you should actually read the book. Funakoshi writes detailed explantions of the meanings of each one. It's a great read.

[Chihua-ku]

Thank you so much for sharing them, Brandon. My personal favorites are #06, 08, 9, 12 and 13.

#8 in particular is my personal favorite: Karate goes beyond the dojo. We should always behave outside the dojo as we behave within it. We are a reflection of our teacher and our art. That also apply to tournaments. We should exhibit good sportmantship or we risk giving our arts and teachers a bad name.

And perhaps I practice #9 a little too much. Since if a lifelong pursuit, should I cut down the amount of practice? (No!).  I should keep practicing kung fu until I get better, and even after that. Never take your skills for granted.

[Brandon]

Good point, Chihua. The 20 precepts of Karate-Do are:

1- Karate Do begins an ends with rei (lit. bowing, also a sense of respect/self-esteem).

2- There is no first strike in karate.

3- Karate stands on the side of justice.

4- First know yourself, then know others.

5- Mentality over technique.

6- The mind must be set free.

7- Calamity springs from carelessness.

8- Karate goes beyond the dojo.

9- Karate is a lifelong pursuit.

10- Apply the way of karate to all things. Therein lies its beauty.

11- Karate is like boiling water: without heat it returns to its tepid state.

12- Do not think of winning, think of not losing.

13- Make adjustments according to your opponent.

14- The outcome of a battle depends on handling emptiness and fullness (weakness/strength.

15- Think of the opponent's hands and feet as swords.

16 - When you step beyond your own gate, you face a million enemies.

17- Ready stance is for beginners, later, one stands naturally.

18- Perform kata exactly, actual combat is another matter.

19- Do not forget employment or withdrawal of power, the extension or contraction of the body, swift or slow application of
technique.

20- Be constantly mindful, diligent, and resourceful in your pursuit of the Way.


Great rules to train and live by. What strikes me is how many of these are found in martial arts, religions, and secular philosophies from around the world.

So how about it gang? Personal favorites? Funny anecdotes? Personal insight on a particular one? How about similar codes from the many styles and schools represented on this board?

Anecdote - My sensei uses 17 on us. He sometimes tells us to relax when we're sparring, or do a form however we want, and then will yell at us for doing just that. "DON'T DROP HAND WHEN SPAR!! YOU THINK YOU MASTER!?"