One of the most striking features of karate is that it may be engaged in by anybody, young or old, strong or weak, male or female.
Gichin FunakoshiRead
When there are no avenues of escape or one is caught even before any attempt to escape can be made, then for the first time the use of self-defense techniques should be considered. Even at times like these, do not show any intention of attacking, but first let the attacker become careless. At that time attack him concentrating one's whole strength in one blow to a vital point and in the moment of surprise, escape and seek shelter and help.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-defense should be a last resort, used wisely and strategically in dire situations.
This quote emphasizes the importance of utilizing self-defense techniques only when absolutely necessary, particularly when there seems to be no escape from danger. It advocates for a calm approach to confrontation, recommending that one waits for the right moment to take action—allowing the assailant to let their guard down before responding decisively and then seeking safety.
Themes
Self-DefenseCourageStrategicEscapeAttackSurprise
In practice
Example use cases
In a self-defense class, the instructor quoted Funakoshi to illustrate the principles of responding safely to threats.
More from Gichin Funakoshi
All quotes →There is no first strike in Karate.
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Once a kata has been learned, it must be practised repeatedly until it can be applied in an emergency, for knowledge of just the sequence of a kata in karate is useless.
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Karate is like boiling water: without heat, it returns to it's tepid state
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The secret principle of martial arts is not vanquishing the attacker, but resolving to avoid an encounter before its occurrence. To become an object of an attack is an indication that there was an opening in one's guard, and the important thing is to be on guard at all times.
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One whose spirit and mental strength have been strengthened by sparring with a never-say-die attitude should find no challenge too great to handle. One who has undergone long years of physical pain and mental agony to learn one punch, one kick, should be able to face any task, no matter how difficult, and carry it through to the end. A person like this can truly be said to have learned karate.
Gichin FunakoshiRead
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