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….

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…

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…

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…

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…