Quotes on Martial Arts

Strategy is the craft of the warrior.

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.

I dislike death, however, there are some things I dislike more than death. Therefore, there are times when I will not avoid danger.

When an opponent comes forward, move in and greet him; if he wants to pull back, send him on his way.

Do not look upon this world with fear and loathing. Bravely face whatever the gods offer.

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.

Everybody you fight is not your enemy and everybody who helps you is not your friend.

Unarmed hand-to-hand fighting does not change through the ages; only the name changes, and it has only one rule: do it first, do it fast, do it dirtiest.

Wisdom is knowing when you can't be wise.

Even the most powerful human being has a limited sphere of strength. Draw him outside of that sphere and into your own, and his strength will dissipate.

Everything too fast is not good but everything too slow is also not good. You need balance. That's why I like martial arts: it always tells you how to control your body, your mind, your heart. Balance. Balance can keep the world's peace. I think that's a very good thing.

True karate is this: that in daily life one's mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of humility, and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice.

People say to me all the time, 'You have no fear.' I tell them, 'No, that's not true. I'm scared all the time. You have to have fear in order to have courage. I'm a courageous person because I'm a scared person.'

Techniques employ four qualities that reflect the nature of our world. Depending on the circumstance, you should be: hard as a diamond, flexible as a willow, smooth-flowing like water, or as empty as space.

Take what's useful, discard what is not.

The Jiu Jitsu I created was designed to give the weak ones a chance to face the heavy and strong.

Champions have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.

The will must be stronger than the skill.

Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.

There is "what is" only when there is no comparing and to live with "what is" is to be peaceful.

We learn martial arts as helping weakness. You never fight for people to get hurt. You're always helping people.