Niju Kun

Master Gichin Funakoshi established the 20 precepts that combined the philosophy of "Zen" with the training of Karate-do. The understanding of the 20 precepts may be varied according to each karateka's perception. As the Dojo-Kun, the advice of Karate Sensei is very important to the true understanding of Niju-Kun.

• Karate is not only dojo training
• Don't forget that Karate begins with a bow and ends with a bow
• In Karate, never attack first
• One who practices karate must follow the way of justice
• First you must know yourself, then you can know others
• Spiritual development is paramount; technical skills are merely means to the end
• You must release your mind
• Misfortune comes out of laziness
• Karate is a lifelong training
• Put Karate into everything you do
• Karate is like hot water. If you do not give heat constantly it will again become cold
• Do not think you have to win. Think that you do not have to lose
• Victory depends on your ability to tell vulnerable points from invulnerable ones
• Move according to your opponent
• Consider your opponent's hands and legs as you would sharp swords
• When you leave home, think that millions of opponents are waiting for you
• Ready position for beginners and natural position for advanced students
• Kata is one thing. Engaging in a real fight is another
• Do not forget: (i) strength and weakness of power; (ii) expansion and contraction of the body; (iii) slowness and speed of techniques
• Devise at all times