The 20 Guiding Principles

According to the father of modern karate, Gichin Funakoshi, and preserved as the philosophical backbone of Mungu Karate, these twenty precepts (Niju Kun) guide not only how we train on the mat, but how we conduct ourselves in daily life, work, and community.

The Precepts of Mungu Karate

“Do not forget that karate begins and ends with rei.” (Rei represents courtesy, respect, and humility in all things).
“There is no first strike in karate.” (True karate is strictly defensive, maintaining peace and moral justice).
“Karate stands on the side of justice.” (Strength must protect the vulnerable and uphold honor).
“First know yourself; then others.” (Self-mastery and self-honesty precede understanding others).
“Mentality over technique.” (Character, fortitude, and spirit matter more than physical mechanics).
“The mind must be set free.” (Avoid rigidity, attachment, and prejudice; stay adaptable).
“Calamity springs from carelessness.” (Mindfulness, awareness, and discipline prevent crisis).
“Karate goes beyond the dojo… It is a lifelong pursuit… Apply its way to all things. Therein lies its beauty.” (Martial arts principles belong in your home, classroom, and career).
“Karate is like boiling water; without heat it returns to its tepid state.” (Continuous effort and daily practice sustain excellence).
“Do not think of winning; think, rather, of not losing.” (True victory is resilience, survival, and moral composure).
“Make adjustments according to your opponent.” (Respond fluidly to the circumstances and challenges in front of you).
“The outcome of battle depends on how one handles emptiness and fullness.” (Recognize when to advance, when to yield, and where balance lies).
“Think of the opponent’s hands and feet as swords.” (Respect the gravity of physical conflict and never underestimate challenges).
“When you step beyond your own gate, you face a million enemies.” (Vigilance, preparedness, and moral clarity must guide you outside the dojo).
“Kamae (ready stance) is for beginners; later one stands in shizentai (natural stance).” (Move from rigid effort to natural, effortless mastery).
“Perform kata exactly; actual combat is another matter.” (Build flawless fundamentals, but adapt dynamically to real-world realities).
“Do not forget the employment or withdrawal of power, the extension or contraction of the body, the swift or leisurely application of technique.” (Harmony between power, relaxation, speed, and patience).
Practice self-control; never misuse your art. (Power without restraint is destructive; true martial artists embody peace).
Be respectful and respectable; and treat people right. (Honor in speech and deed fosters community trust and brotherhood).
“Be constantly mindful, diligent, and resourceful in the pursuit of the way.” (Never cease learning, improving, and growing).

These principles form the lesson plan of every training session at Willing Warriors. By embedding these ethics into our youth, we ensure they grow not only into capable martial artists, but into leaders who elevate those around them.