Spirit First, Technique Second “Spirit First, Technique Second”     This is often read as the idea of striving for perfection while understanding in reality that physical perfection is impossible. Or studying to perfect your mindset and spirit so you can keep trying in the face of adversity. In the dojo this is essential, can…

First Understand Yourself Also translated as: “First understand yourself, then understand others.”     Outside the dojo we all know that person who imposes their opinions on others, or who cant of letting others learn without offering up unwanted solutions. This precept highlights the importance of self-awareness and empathy in our interactions with ourselves and…

Karate is an Aid to Justice “Karate Is an Aid to Justice”     This is a precept that is, compared to some of the other 20, relatively direct in its meaning. The real depth and meaning in this precept comes from studying the word “justice”. Whereas a lot of focus is directed towards the…

There is No First Attack “Karate ni sente nashi,” – “There is no first attack in karate.”   The ultimate goal of karate is to defend oneself and to avoid violence if possible. This can be paired with the dojo kun (dojo rules) of “refraining from impetuous and violent behaviour”. Physically, a karate practitioner should…

Karate Begins & Ends with Respect This is often translated as “Karate begins and ends with rei” meaning to bow. In a literal sense this is true, every lesson starts when you walk in the door and bow and ends the same way on leaving. At the start of each lesson the instructor also leads…