Quotes on Martial Arts

Nobody can hurt me without my permission.

There is no losing in Jiu-Jitsu. You either win or you learn.

The primary thing when you take a sword in your hands is your intention to cut the enemy, whatever the means. Whenever you parry, hit, spring, strike or touch the enemy's cutting sword, you must cut the enemy in the same movement. It is essential to attain this. If you think only of hitting, springing, striking or touching the enemy, you will not be able actually to cut him.

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.

Study how water flows in a valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks. Also learn from holy books and wise people. Everything - even mountains, rivers, plants and trees - should be your teacher.

We don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.

The teaching of one virtuous person can influence many; that which has been learned well by one generation can be passed on to a hundred.

The purpose of the study of judo is to perfect yourself and to contribute to society.

Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it.

Karate is the best thing you can do for your child.

All the principles of heaven and earth are living inside you. Life itself is truth, and this will never change. Everything in heaven and earth breathes. Breath is the thread that ties creation together.

Never depart from the way of martial arts.

If mere mechanical efficiency can make everyone a martial artist, then all is well. Unfortunately, combat, like freedom, is something that can not be preconceived.

The principle of martial arts is not a thing that can be learned, like a science, by fact-finding and instruction in facts. It has to grow spontaneously, like a flower, in a mind free from emotions and desires.

Self-knowledge is the basis of jeet kune do because it is effective not only for the individual's martial art but also for his life as a human being.

Optimism is a faith that leads to success.

None but a coward dares to boast that he has never known fear.

Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.

A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.

As long as you try your best, you are never a failure. That is, unless you blame others.

There is only one person responsible for the quality of life you live and that person is you.