A list of 20 precepts of Gichin Funakoshi

• Never forget that karate begins and ends with respect.
• There is no first attack in karate.
• Karate fosters righteousness.
• First know yourself and then know others.
• Rather than physical technique, mental technique.
• Let your mind roam freely.
• Inattention and neglect causes misfortune.
• Never think that karate is practiced only in the dojo.
• Karate is a life long pursuit.
• Everything you encounter is an aspect of karate: find the marvelous truth there.
• Karate is like boiling water: if you do not keep the flame high, it turns tepid.
• Do not think about winning; think about not losing.
• Respond in accordance to your opponent.
• Wage the battle with natural strategy.
• Regard your hands and feet as sharp swords.
• Step out the door and you face 10,000 foes.
• Learn various stances as a beginner but then rely on a natural posture.
• The kata must always be practiced correctly: real combat is another matter.
• Never forget your own strengths and weakness, the limitations of your body, and the relative quality of your techniques.
• Continuously polish your mind.