Read the excerpted Chapter 7 "Training Precepts" below from Gichin Funakoshi's "Karate-Dō Nyūmon" (空手道入門 ”Manual of Karate-Dō”). It's is a classic companion text to "Karate-Dō Kyōhan" and this chapter may be one of the most compelling in the manuscript. One of the most important aspects of studying and practicing Karate-dō, is the development of a proper (and productive) mindset. One can learn techniques day after day, but your approach to training will be what contributes the most to your progress overtime. Both of these texts are available on Amazon (linked above) if you are interested in reading them in their entirety. |
Karate-Dō Nyūmon - Chapter 7: Training Precepts
First, since karate is a martial art, you must practice with the utmost seriousness from the very beginning. This means going beyond being simply diligent or sincere in your training. In every step, in every movement of your hand, you must imagine yourself facing an opponent with a drawn sword.
Each and every punch must be made with the power of your entire body behind it, with the feeling of destroying your opponent with a single blow. You must believe that if your punch fails, you will forfeit your own life. Thinking this, your mind and energy will be concentrated, and your spirit with express itself to the fullest. No matter how much time you devote to practice, no matter how many months and years pass, if your practice consists of no more than moving your arms and legs, you might as well be studying dance. You will never come to know the true meaning of karate.
You will find that training with a deadly serious attitude will over time benefit not only your study of karate, but many other facets of life as well. Life itself is often akin to a match with real swords. With a lukewarm attitude toward life - such as assuming that after every failure you will always have a second chance - what can you hope accomplish in a short life span of fifty years?
Each and every punch must be made with the power of your entire body behind it, with the feeling of destroying your opponent with a single blow. You must believe that if your punch fails, you will forfeit your own life. Thinking this, your mind and energy will be concentrated, and your spirit with express itself to the fullest. No matter how much time you devote to practice, no matter how many months and years pass, if your practice consists of no more than moving your arms and legs, you might as well be studying dance. You will never come to know the true meaning of karate.
You will find that training with a deadly serious attitude will over time benefit not only your study of karate, but many other facets of life as well. Life itself is often akin to a match with real swords. With a lukewarm attitude toward life - such as assuming that after every failure you will always have a second chance - what can you hope accomplish in a short life span of fifty years?