Funakoshi's 20 Principles of Karate and its application: Principle One

I’ve decided that it is time for a little philosophical discussion of the sport I love. One of our belt test questions ask us who the founder of modern-day karate is. The answer that we have been supplied to say is Gishin Funakoshi . Sensei Funakoshi was responsible for bringing Shotokan karate over the main island of Japan in 1921, thus asserting the title of “Founder.” One of the most famous pieces of Karate literature was written by Funakoshi himself. In the book, The 20 Guiding Principles of Karate, Funakoshi establishes “ ... a way of guiding his disciples to explore the spiritual aspects of the Way of Karate, or karate-do.” (pg.15) Although this is only my second year of training, I have begun to realise that Karate simply does not stay behind the doors of the dojo. It has started to creep into facets of my everyday life, changing small things like the ability to stand taller with more confidence to changing the very core of my thoughts and the way I view the world around me. Karate is not just a sport. It should never be viewed that way, by anyone, for it actively trains both the body and the mind. For those  who are new to karate-do, The 20 Guiding Principles of Karate provides access and insight to the spiritual side of Shotokan Karate. It also acts as a rich resource for the actual development of spiritual enlightenment for students who have been training for some time.  Sensei Gishin Funakoshi once said, “the ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” So, without further adieu, I begin my exploration and analysis of each principal of Funakoshi’s  The 20 Guiding Principals of Karate.

Chapter 1: Do not Forget that Karate-Do begins and ends with REI

Rei is often defined as respect. However, in the martial arts world, rei encompasses much more than just the singular meaning of the word.  “It is both an attitude of respect for others and a sense of self esteem” (pg.19) This concept is vitally important for any martial artist, young or old. It starts by bowing at the entrance to the inside of the Dojo. Bowing shows reverence for the dojo, and the training that goes on within it. It is considered a sacred place, where the utmost importance is placed on what is taught, learned and practised. Just before we start our actual training, we take a moment to bow in again while seated. Using the words “ Sho mi ni rei” and “Sensei ni rei,” We are formally showing respect and reverence for our classmates, style of training, place of training and our sensei who teaches us.  I believe that Rei is most important while specifically training for combat or the unfortunate situation where martial arts must be used to avoid combat. “ Combat methods that lack rei are not martial arts but merely contemptible violence. Physical power without rei is no more than brute strength and for human beings it is without value.”(pg.20) It is easy to simply use excessive aggression and overwhelming strength to over come ones opponent, but without respect ones actions become misplaced from the intention of good to negative and without any value whatsoever. Think of some of the martial arts movies you’ve seen over the years. The student who is pure of heart and mind and respectful towards his dojo mates and sensei is usually protrayed as the hero, while the antagonist is usually the student with flawless technique and brutal skills. He takes pleasure in hurting his opponents and does not think twice about killing them. He is filled with ego and no sense of reverence or respect for his discipline. He is normally thrown out of his home by the Sensei. “... without a sincere and reverent heart they do not possess true rei. True rei is the outward expression of a respectful heart.” (Pg.20) Ultimately, all martial arts begin and end with rei. “ Unless they are practised with a feeling of reverence and respect, they are simply forms of violence.” (Pg.20)

One should not leave this principle behind the doors of the dojo. It can be widely used in all manners and facets of your life. Whether it be work, love or play, applying rei to everyday life and situations will surely increase your self esteem and honour. Revering and respecting everything in your life paves a path for a peaceful, meaningful future, in which others will take notice and return the same to you.