Important Points Summary and Analysis

Each of the kata, or exercises, has an inherent meaning that Funakoshi discusses at length in another book. Six rules are essential to understanding Karate-do, but rule numbered three is missing. Training is a "deadly serious" endeavor where an opponent must always be in one's mind to survive and avoid failure. Training should be performed "with both heart and soul" and no concern with theory. Mastery of one kata can take a year or more of practice to exhaustion and may lead to understanding all other kata. Avoid becoming conceited and dogmatic through bragging and showing off. See yourself as you are in order to learn from the work of others. For example, if a trainee does not seem to be doing his best reconsider your own efforts as well. Finally, the last rule is to follow the rules...