The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate
G. Funakoshi

You’ll be able to find textbooks on Karate in most good book stores that sell Martial Arts books. You’ll probably be able to buy every textbook ever written on Karate-Do online. However, to have a book that looks into the less physical side of Karate is wonderful.

These are the twenty principles that should accompany your physical training in the dojo. They provide a code of conduct by which all Karate-Ka should abide, in order to get the most out of their training.

We all bow when we face an adversary and all bow when we enter a dojo. We all bow prior to calling Jion. But why?

The answers are here.

The book was not actually written by Sensei Funakoshi himself, but the twenty principles were. After an interpretation, only when Funakoshi Sensei was happy this interpretation encompassed everything that the original twenty principles offered, the book came into creation.

The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate is beautifully presented, possibly the most beautiful of all of the Karate books, and there is a real sense of respect for Karate that runs throughout each chapter.

If you want to learn a little more about Karate than simple punches, kicks and blocks, this book is for you. It will help you understand the complexities of the Japanese culture and gives an insight into the Budo mentality. Not really for beginners, but most definitely for those who want to delve a little deeper.

Mark Thompson

Date: 7/01/06