QuoteProject
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.
Gichin Funakoshi
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Mastery comes from repetition and application, not just understanding.

This quote emphasizes the importance of practice and application in learning martial arts, specifically karate. It suggests that merely knowing the movements or sequences of a kata is insufficient; one must practice diligently and be able to execute it instinctively in real-life situations, especially during emergencies.

Themes

KataKaratePracticeSkillsApplication

In practice

Example use cases

During a martial arts seminar to stress the importance of drilling techniques.

More from Gichin Funakoshi

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.
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.
Gichin FunakoshiRead
Karate is like boiling water: without heat, it returns to it's tepid state
Gichin FunakoshiRead
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.
Gichin FunakoshiRead
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

Similar quotes

A black belt only covers two inches of your ass. You have to cover the rest.
Royce GracieRead
If you will practice being fictional for a while, you will understand that fictional characters are sometimes more real than people with bodies and heartbeats.
Richard BachRead
As long as we are mindful and aware, no one practice is better than another.
Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse RinpocheRead
The practice of arbitrary imprisonments have been, in all ages, the favorite and most formidable instruments of tyranny.
Alexander HamiltonRead
If we are going to realise our ambition of ending the harmful practices of FGM and forced marriage, the role of young people in pushing for change is crucial. We also need to ensure that everyone, from government to civil society, is playing their part.
Theresa MayRead
Buddhist practices offer a way of saying, 'Hey, come back over here, reconnect.' The only way that you'll actually wake up and have some freedom is if you have the capacity and courage to stay with the vulnerability and the discomfort.
Tara BrachRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.