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
The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The essence of Karate focuses on building character rather than just winning or losing.
This quote emphasizes that the true purpose of practicing Karate goes beyond competition; it is about personal growth and character development. Funakoshi suggests that the journey of self-improvement and mastery of oneβs character is more important than the outcomes of fights, urging practitioners to cultivate virtues like discipline, respect, and humility.
Themes
KarateCharacterPersonal GrowthSelf-ImprovementPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a martial arts class to inspire students about the values of Karate.
More from Gichin Funakoshi
All quotes βThere 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
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 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
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