Gichin Funakoshi
(1868-1957)
Gichin Funakoshi is considered the father of modern Karate.
Funakoshi was born in the Okinawan capital of Shuri into a family
of the Shizoku class (upper class). Master Gichin Funakoshi was
instructed by Yasutsune Azato and Yasutsune Itosu and
was the founder of Shotokan Karate. One of Funakoshi's most noted
students was Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin
Karate.
Mr. Funakoshi was responsible for spreading Karate to Japan and
subsequently around the world. He summed up his views of Karate
with 20 principles:
- Never forget that karate begins and ends with respect.
- There is no first attack in karate.
- Karate fosters righteousness.
- First know yourself and then know others.
- Rather than physical technique, mental technique.
- Let your mind roam freely.
- Inattention and neglect causes misfortune.
- Never think that karate is practiced only in the dojo.
- Karate is a life long pursuit.
- Everything you encounter is an aspect of karate: find the
marvelous truth there.
- Karate is like boiling water: if you do not keep the flame high,
it turns tepid.
- Do not think about winning; think about not losing.
- Respond in accordance to your opponent.
- Wage the battle with natural strategy.
- Regard your hands and feet as sharp swords.
- Step out the door and you face 10,000 foes.
- Learn various stances as a beginner but then rely on a natural posture.
- The kata must always be practiced correctly: real combat is another matter.
- Never forget your own strengths and weakness, the limitations of your body,
and the relative quality of your techniques.
- Continuously polish your mind.
These twenty principles of Master Gichin Funakoshi are taught and practiced in the Pinewood Karate system.
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