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LOS VEINTE PRINCIPIOS RECTORES DEL KÁRATE
Por primera vez pueden leerse en español los veinte principios del kárate establecidos por Gichin Funakoshi, el padre del kárate, como modelo de orientar a sus discípulos a explorar plenamente los aspectos espirituales del Camino del Kárate, o kárate-do. Sirven de fuente de reflexión incluso para quienes no practican kárate.
128 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 24, 2024
Aug 24, 2024 ~~ I thin I enjoyed this reread more than the original reading, simply because of being able to share it with Marco. I don't have much else to add to my original review, though. Certainly I have not changed my opinion of either the book or the author, and I'm sure I will be reading again someday. It is simply that kind of book.
Aug 17, 2024 ~~ Marco and I are starting this book today. I will return to update the original review if necessary when we are finished.
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Original review. July 2018
My husband holds a brown belt in Shotokan karate, and a few years ago when I discovered books written by the founder of that school, I ordered some. I've read the others, but somehow this one kept getting overlooked until now.
Gichin Funakoshi was born in Okinawa, Japan in 1868. He began studying the then-secret martial art when he was a child. But in 1922 he was requested by the Japanese government to give a demonstration in Tokyo, which led eventually to the world's becoming aware of this martial art.
I learned to respect Funakoshi in his other books, and this small volume only adds to the respect and admiration I have for him. The master's karate was not about the show, but about the spirit. These twenty guidelines were deceptively simple statements that he would make before a class, and then expand on during the class or in private sessions with his students.
Karate, according to Funakoshi, is not about who can beat up whom faster or better. It is not about performing 'outlandish physical feats' or intimidating a smaller or less well trained opponent. Think of Mr. Miyagi in the movie Karate Kid and how his focus in karate was so different from that of the sensei of the Cobras. Although the style of karate used in the movie is from a different school and not Shotokan, this is the clearest example I can give of what Funakoshi believed and taught his entire life.
Karate is not just physical training, it is mental training and needs to be done properly: with respect for oneself and for everyone else, with awareness, diligence, and spiritual attitude. The training and learning should never end, and a person should not fight at the drop of a hat simply because they know how to use their hands and feet as weapons. The samurai warrior was not supposed to draw his sword until he had reached a point where whatever situation he was in could not be solved in any other manner. Anyone following the Way of Karate, especially Shotokan style, should behave the same way.
This book was first published in 1938. The chapter headings themselves are the guiding principles, and the text of each chapter was written by Genwa Nakasone, who was an early supporter of the Master, and wrote many books on karate. Funakoshi himself read and approved this book at the time it was written, but it was not until the 2000's that the book was translated into English, and the USA edition was published in 2012.
It is not a book that should be read quickly once and put back on the shelf. It is something to be lingered over, re-read, studied, and appreciated for the depth disclosed on each page, and the wisdom of each principle. I will be returning to this book many times, I'm sure.
Aug 17, 2024 ~~ Marco and I are starting this book today. I will return to update the original review if necessary when we are finished.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Original review. July 2018
My husband holds a brown belt in Shotokan karate, and a few years ago when I discovered books written by the founder of that school, I ordered some. I've read the others, but somehow this one kept getting overlooked until now.
Gichin Funakoshi was born in Okinawa, Japan in 1868. He began studying the then-secret martial art when he was a child. But in 1922 he was requested by the Japanese government to give a demonstration in Tokyo, which led eventually to the world's becoming aware of this martial art.
I learned to respect Funakoshi in his other books, and this small volume only adds to the respect and admiration I have for him. The master's karate was not about the show, but about the spirit. These twenty guidelines were deceptively simple statements that he would make before a class, and then expand on during the class or in private sessions with his students.
Karate, according to Funakoshi, is not about who can beat up whom faster or better. It is not about performing 'outlandish physical feats' or intimidating a smaller or less well trained opponent. Think of Mr. Miyagi in the movie Karate Kid and how his focus in karate was so different from that of the sensei of the Cobras. Although the style of karate used in the movie is from a different school and not Shotokan, this is the clearest example I can give of what Funakoshi believed and taught his entire life.
Karate is not just physical training, it is mental training and needs to be done properly: with respect for oneself and for everyone else, with awareness, diligence, and spiritual attitude. The training and learning should never end, and a person should not fight at the drop of a hat simply because they know how to use their hands and feet as weapons. The samurai warrior was not supposed to draw his sword until he had reached a point where whatever situation he was in could not be solved in any other manner. Anyone following the Way of Karate, especially Shotokan style, should behave the same way.
This book was first published in 1938. The chapter headings themselves are the guiding principles, and the text of each chapter was written by Genwa Nakasone, who was an early supporter of the Master, and wrote many books on karate. Funakoshi himself read and approved this book at the time it was written, but it was not until the 2000's that the book was translated into English, and the USA edition was published in 2012.
It is not a book that should be read quickly once and put back on the shelf. It is something to be lingered over, re-read, studied, and appreciated for the depth disclosed on each page, and the wisdom of each principle. I will be returning to this book many times, I'm sure.
September 4, 2014
The twenty guiding principles is n great little book for all karateka who want to advance their karate. By thinking and rethinking the principles it gives you a way of doing karate and also helps you in your general conduct. The idea of keeping the water boiling is a great idea i.e. never stop practising because any place can become a dojo. I like that. Many other sayings and explanations of it are great teachings full of wisdom to teach you karate-do. Yes it is a book that I will read and read again and again.
April 17, 2016
The subtitle is important here: “The Spiritual Legacy of the Master”.
Funakoshi-Sensei was the father of Shotokan karate and the man who may have been more responsible for its growth and spread than any other. He was also always of the opinion that “the ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants”.
This book is far more about character than anything else and the principles themselves are designed to stress mental and spiritual development rather than strength and technique.
The principles were never designed to be mere axioms, but introductions to lessons to be expanded upon by teacher to student. The book takes the 20 principles and gives a little space to each to expand the point being stressed and give the reader a direction and ideas to chew on.
And this particular edition is brought into English from a Japanese edition approved by Funakoshi himself. Somehow, that makes me take it just a touch more seriously. If the master approved of the message then it should be easier to consider his intent with each principle.
Only 128 pages long and with plenty of white space, it has the ability to be a blindingly fast read, but if you let that happen, you’ll miss a lot of reflection. I attempted to limit myself to one or two principles per day, giving myself the leisure to let the concepts roll around in my mind and see what I can take from them.
And there’s definitely something to consider in each chapter, however short, and whatever stage you might be at in the martial arts. The lessons may take different meanings at different times, though.
Overall rating: 5 stars. This is a book that you could easily consider a book of philosophy and it’s a book that will certainly improve on re-reading. I’m going to put my next reading of it a couple of years in the future, however, to see how my own view point shifts in the meantime. But it will probably also be a frequent reference point in between.
For the moment, I’ll pick the principle that speaks most to me as number 9: karate is a lifelong pursuit. That answer might change tomorrow, but I think it will always be a relevant reminder.
Funakoshi-Sensei was the father of Shotokan karate and the man who may have been more responsible for its growth and spread than any other. He was also always of the opinion that “the ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants”.
This book is far more about character than anything else and the principles themselves are designed to stress mental and spiritual development rather than strength and technique.
The principles were never designed to be mere axioms, but introductions to lessons to be expanded upon by teacher to student. The book takes the 20 principles and gives a little space to each to expand the point being stressed and give the reader a direction and ideas to chew on.
And this particular edition is brought into English from a Japanese edition approved by Funakoshi himself. Somehow, that makes me take it just a touch more seriously. If the master approved of the message then it should be easier to consider his intent with each principle.
Only 128 pages long and with plenty of white space, it has the ability to be a blindingly fast read, but if you let that happen, you’ll miss a lot of reflection. I attempted to limit myself to one or two principles per day, giving myself the leisure to let the concepts roll around in my mind and see what I can take from them.
And there’s definitely something to consider in each chapter, however short, and whatever stage you might be at in the martial arts. The lessons may take different meanings at different times, though.
Overall rating: 5 stars. This is a book that you could easily consider a book of philosophy and it’s a book that will certainly improve on re-reading. I’m going to put my next reading of it a couple of years in the future, however, to see how my own view point shifts in the meantime. But it will probably also be a frequent reference point in between.
For the moment, I’ll pick the principle that speaks most to me as number 9: karate is a lifelong pursuit. That answer might change tomorrow, but I think it will always be a relevant reminder.
December 11, 2022
A great book for beginners, on the principles of karate. It demonstrates that karate-do is a way of life. To strive for perfection, to be a better person tomorrow, and to always be on the side of justice.
These are a few principles I have learnt and will seek to apply in my everyday life. Will certainly return to this book in the future.
These are a few principles I have learnt and will seek to apply in my everyday life. Will certainly return to this book in the future.
July 7, 2012
A book to have always by my side
June 17, 2020
A good read for a person interested in martial arts.
February 11, 2018
The 20 guiding principles of karate is an essential book for every karateka who wants to have a deeper knowledge of the art. More important is the fact that it introduces a way of life that gives many rewards not only to the karateka, but to anyone that reads this book. It is a text most inspirational that personally has helped me in times of distress. Don't forget: karate expands out of the dojo as well. We all are in debt to Master Funakoshi and Genwa Nakasone who commented on the principles of the Master. I recommend this book to everyone, regardless of age.
October 16, 2022
I famosi venti principi del karate sono elencati e commentati uno dopo l'altro in questo libro, senza troppi fronzoli. La lettura è molto rapida, le spiegazioni sono chiare, quindi il libro si finisce in fretta. Tuttavia la sensazione è che per cogliere a fondo l'essenza di questo libro e dei sui principi serva tornare spesso a leggerli e rileggerli, una sorta di compagno nel cammino del karate-do e nella vita di tutti i giorni. Libro che tutti i praticanti dovrebbero avere, leggere e rileggere. Facile ritrovarvi anche parole dette e ripetute dal proprio maestro.
January 18, 2024
Tengo mucho que aprender!!!
Realmente no me la creo tener el honor de poder aprender y sobre todo vivir el karate. Cómo bien dice el karate requiere entrenamiento para toda la vida y yo con gusto pondré absolutamente todo de mi mente, cuerpo y espíritu en ello. Me la paso todo el día en en el dojo y aún así tengo sed por mucho más, es que simplemente hay tanto por aprender, mejorar, enseñar, compartir y sentir. Esto es pasión, esto es felicidad, esto es disciplina, sobre todo, este es el camino correcto para mi.
Realmente no me la creo tener el honor de poder aprender y sobre todo vivir el karate. Cómo bien dice el karate requiere entrenamiento para toda la vida y yo con gusto pondré absolutamente todo de mi mente, cuerpo y espíritu en ello. Me la paso todo el día en en el dojo y aún así tengo sed por mucho más, es que simplemente hay tanto por aprender, mejorar, enseñar, compartir y sentir. Esto es pasión, esto es felicidad, esto es disciplina, sobre todo, este es el camino correcto para mi.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2024
I picked this up as I've been trying to build more discipline and figured martial arts books would be a good place to start.
I was entirely on the mark with this one. No nonsense guidance in regards to how to practice the martial art of Karate which is wholly applicable to outside life. The line Karate is about cultivating the spirit seems spot on regarding the advice in this book and I'm looking forward to implementing these as I move forward with getting fitter and taking more charge over my life.
I was entirely on the mark with this one. No nonsense guidance in regards to how to practice the martial art of Karate which is wholly applicable to outside life. The line Karate is about cultivating the spirit seems spot on regarding the advice in this book and I'm looking forward to implementing these as I move forward with getting fitter and taking more charge over my life.
May 8, 2020
A pretty good book insofar as martial arts philosophy and ethics. I take exception to it’s appeals to peace and restraint while it references the destructively nihilistic work Hagakure.
Jotaro Takagi’s comments in the afterword make an appeal to the arcane with the admonition that only after years of earnest training will the practitioner have “the mysteries of the art revealed.” There is something cultic in that, and not something that Funakoshi resorts to in this work.
Jotaro Takagi’s comments in the afterword make an appeal to the arcane with the admonition that only after years of earnest training will the practitioner have “the mysteries of the art revealed.” There is something cultic in that, and not something that Funakoshi resorts to in this work.
January 9, 2021
Principle 8~ "The objective of karate-do is to polish and nurture both the mind and body. The cultivation of one's spirit and mental attitude begun during practice in the dojo (training hall) should not cease after the physical and mental exertions end for the day. Rather, this should continue outside the dojo, in our daily routine."~pg. 53
This is from my husband's collection of martial arts books. I found these principles helpful not only for karate but for life.
This is from my husband's collection of martial arts books. I found these principles helpful not only for karate but for life.
August 31, 2017
Ever the thought out writer, Gichin Funakoshi shares some of his ethos in this lovely hardcover piece (this is a very nice three piece collection by Gichin Funaakoshi (karate), Jigoro Kano (judo), and Morihei Ueshiba (aikido), striving to compile the essence of these three practices.
I don't practice any of these three traditions, but I very much enjoy coming back frequently to revisit them.
I don't practice any of these three traditions, but I very much enjoy coming back frequently to revisit them.
December 12, 2018
From this book I learned that karate is about doing your best to avoid trouble, and, in case you can't, defend yourself with full awareness and commitment.
Read about the "mind like water" state, learned from David Allen's Getting Things Done book.
Easy read that I would like to revisit every year.
Read about the "mind like water" state, learned from David Allen's Getting Things Done book.
Easy read that I would like to revisit every year.
October 4, 2020
As a Shotokan Karate practitioner, this book is a must-read to further understand the philosophical side of karate. It helps put the study of martial arts and budo into perspective in relation to the rest of the world. It's a short book, but one I have read many times and recommend to beginners in the art.
February 3, 2024
While the principles are simply stated, they carry a lot of meaning. These principles not only outline the foundations of karate but the foundations of life. As a student of karate, I found the book inspiring and practical. As a human being, I discovered the importance of applying these principles to everyday life. I will definitely be returning to this book in the future!
December 3, 2021
Very interesting book regarding meditation and emotional well being. Turns out karate is a mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual practice! No, scratch that. As Funakoshi says, karate is a way of life!
February 25, 2025
Gracias a este libro pude entender lo que es ser un verdadero karateka.
Gracias Gichin Funakoshi por enseñarme que el kárate no es solo para defenderse si no saber cuando hay que atacar y hacerlo con sabiduría.
Gracias Gichin Funakoshi por enseñarme que el kárate no es solo para defenderse si no saber cuando hay que atacar y hacerlo con sabiduría.
August 3, 2017
I need to read this book at least twenty more times. High quality wisdom.
December 24, 2017
A truly inspirational book, one that should be read by every martial artist to understand the inner art.
March 27, 2018
It was alright. A little too abbreviated for my taste. Doesn't allow the reader to immerse themselves in the subject.
March 8, 2021
A little abbreviated and high level. Good general principles as far as how to live your life but also a bit of a product of the times.
January 31, 2022
Bellissimo.
Mangiato in poco tempo.
Lo consiglio A CHIUNQUE, anche a chi non pratica karate.
Questo libro spiega tutti i principi e servono anche nella vita di tutti i giorni
Mangiato in poco tempo.
Lo consiglio A CHIUNQUE, anche a chi non pratica karate.
Questo libro spiega tutti i principi e servono anche nella vita di tutti i giorni
October 16, 2022
An easy read. I was expecting for more though. Like, how did the author decide on these principles? Are there anecdotes on why he came up with the principles?
November 1, 2024
This is essential reading for a martial arts practitioner. It reads almost like a Zen text and does its job of being a wonderful guide to martial arts practice beyond the physical.
Read
February 3, 2025my training has taught me well.
January 6, 2017
All of us who have ever practiced martial arts know that it is not practiced solely within the Dojo. A martial art is a path that if you follow will positively affect all aspects of your life.
Gichin Funakoshi's book The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master is a work of art. In a simple and brief way, it exposes 20 principles with which your practice is a real practice. Among those who most apply to my life today:
- Where does Karate begin and end? In respect
- In karate there is no first strike
- Free your Mind
- Karate is like boiling water, if you stop heating it cools
- Always be mindful
I really liked the book and I think every practitioner or ex-practitioner should read it. And apply for any discipline and way of life.
Gichin Funakoshi's book The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate: The Spiritual Legacy of the Master is a work of art. In a simple and brief way, it exposes 20 principles with which your practice is a real practice. Among those who most apply to my life today:
- Where does Karate begin and end? In respect
- In karate there is no first strike
- Free your Mind
- Karate is like boiling water, if you stop heating it cools
- Always be mindful
I really liked the book and I think every practitioner or ex-practitioner should read it. And apply for any discipline and way of life.
May 31, 2007
A must-read for any soldier/warrior or martial artist - Funakoshi is a father of Karate (Shotokan) and a profoundly spiritual man (1868 - 1957). I continue to read and re-read this work because he provides such practical insights into the pursuit of perfection of Karate and character. Tagaki adds great richness with his commentary, and Teramoto's translation of this work into English is a gift.
Want to read
August 9, 2008I picked up this book while taking self defense classes from a martial arts instructor.
December 26, 2008
Concise, but profound.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews