There is no place in contemporary Karate for different schools. Some instructors, I know, claim to have invented new and unusual kata, and so they arrogate to themselves the right to be called founders of “schools”. Indeed, I have heard myself and my colleagues referred to as the Shotokan school, but I strongly object to this attempt at classification. My belief is that all these “schools” should be amalgamated into one, so that Karate may orderly progress into man’s future.

More quotes by Gichin Funakoshi

View all
"Practicing a kata exactly is one thing, engaging in a real fight is another."

- Gichin Funakoshi

Awareness

"The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants."

- Gichin Funakoshi

Integrity

"The goal of martial arts is to affect the mind and spirit, not just the body."

- Gichin Funakoshi

Personal Growth

"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of character."

- Gichin Funakoshi

Personal Growth

"The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants."

- Gichin Funakoshi

Personal Growth

More Philosophy Quotes

View all
"It is at the moment of death that humanity has value."

- Archer

Philosophy

"Religion, ideology, resources, land, spite, love or just because… No matter how pathetic the reason, it’s enough to start a war. War will never cease to exist… reasons can be thought up after the fact… Human nature pursues strife."

- Paine

Philosophy

"Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves."

- Eric Sevareid

Philosophy

"Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"

- Theodor Seuss Geisel

Philosophy

"Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home."

- G.K. Chesterton

Philosophy