We owe a great debt of gratitude to Gichin Funakoshi, the Father of modern day Karate. He left so much for future generations, all of which, he summed up most adequately in his 20 precepts. Their meaning will change according to one's rank or maturity but hidden within the simplicity of these words, lies the answers to all our hopes and aspirations.

1. Karate-do begins with courtesy and ends with courtesy.
   
2. There is no first attack in karate.
   
3. Karate is a great assistance to justice.
   
4. Know yourself first, and then others.
   
5. Spirit first: techniques second.
   
6. Always be ready to release your mind.
   
7. Misfortune [accidents] always comes out of idleness [negligence].
   
8. Do not think that karate training is only in the dojo.
   
9. It will take your entire life to learn karate: there is no limit.
   
10. Put your everyday living into karate and you will find the ideal state of existence.
    
11. Karate is like hot water. If you do not give it heat constantly, it will again become cold water.
    
12. Do not think that you have to win. Rather, think that you do not have to lose.
    
13. Victory depends on your ability to distinguish vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
    
14. The battle is according to how you maneuver guarded and unguarded. Move according to your opponent.
    
15. Think of the hands and feet as swords.
    
16. When you leave home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you. It is your behavior that invites trouble from them.
    
17. Beginners must master low stance and posture; natural body position for advanced.
    
18. Practicing a kata is one thing, and engaging in a real fight is another.
    
19. Do not forget 1 - strength and weakness of power, 2 - stretching and contraction of the body, and 3 - slowness and speed of techniques. Apply these correctly.
    
20. Always think and devise ways to live the precepts every day.