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
There is no first strike in Karate.
Interpretation
The principle emphasizes that true martial arts focus on defense rather than aggression.
The quote speaks to the philosophy of Karate, suggesting that the essence of this martial art lies in its defensive nature. By stating that there is no first strike, Gichin Funakoshi highlights the importance of self-control, respect, and the idea that true strength is demonstrated by restraint and the choice to avoid conflict rather than initiate it.
In practice
Discussing the principles of martial arts in a self-defense class.
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.
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.
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.
Karate is like boiling water: without heat, it returns to it's tepid state
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.
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.
A black belt only covers two inches of your ass. You have to cover the rest.
Sice Karate exists for cultivating the spirit and training the body, it must be a moral way surpassing mere techniques.
Although our prospect is peace, our policy and purpose are to provide for defense by all those means to which our resources are competent.
We all understand football is entertainment. And people like high-scoring games. But you still have to play defense to win championships.
Books themselves need no defense. Their spokesmen come and go, their readers live and die, they remain constant.
My defenses were so great. The cocky rock and roll hero who knows all the answers was actually a terrified guy who didn't know how to cry. Simple.
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