Shoto Niju Kun

SHOTO NIJU KUN (THE TWENTY PRECEPTS).

by O-SENSEI GICHIN FUNAKOSHI.

  1. Karate begins and ends with REI. (courtesy)
  2. An offensive attitude does not exist in Karate.
  3. Karate is an aid to justice.
  4. First know yourself and then others.
  5. Spirit is more important than technique.
  6. It is necessary to let KOKORO free (the mind).
  7. Accidents result of neglect.
  8. Karate training is not only in the dojo.
  9. Karate is a lifelong training.
  10. Confront your problems with a Karate spirit.
  11. Karate is like warm water (if you don’t heat it constantly, it will cool).
  12. Do not foster the idea of winning neither that of being defeated.
  13. Transform yourself according to your opponent.
  14. The secret of combat resides in the art of directing it.
  15. Think of your arms and legs as swords.
  16. When you leave your home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you (it is your behavior that invites trouble from them).
  17. Beginners must master low stance and posture; natural body positions are for the advanced.
  18. Strive for the perfect form (kata), real combat is something else.
  19. Do not forget to correctly apply: strength and weakness of power, expansion and contraction of the body, and slow and fast techniques.
  20. Always try to study and express it better.