Nanaimo Shotokan Karate-Do Association

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FUNAKOSHI SENSEI'S 20 PRECEPTS – THE WAY OF TRUE KARATE

Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of modern Shotokan Karate, taught that karate is far more than punches, kicks, and physical strength. Through his famous "Niju Kun" or Twenty Precepts, he left behind a timeless philosophy for all martial artists and for humanity itself.

These principles remind us that true karate begins with respect and ends with respect. A karateka must seek justice, practice humility, and continuously improve both character and technique. Victory is not merely defeating an opponent; it is overcoming fear, ego, anger, and weakness within ourselves.

Funakoshi believed that the spirit must always come before technique. Physical skill without discipline and moral values is meaningless. Every challenge in life is an opportunity to grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

Karate is not confined to the dojo. The lessons learned during training—respect, perseverance, courage, patience, and self-control—must be practiced every day in our homes, workplaces, and communities. A true martial artist remains calm under pressure, adapts to changing circumstances, and never stops learning.

The Twenty Precepts teach us to maintain balance between hard and soft, action and reflection, strength and kindness. They remind us that the journey of karate is lifelong. Every training session, every failure, and every success becomes part of our path toward self-mastery.

As martial artists, we should strive not only to become stronger fighters but also better human beings. This is the true spirit of Karate-Do—the Way of the Empty Hand.

Train with passion. Live with honor. Walk the path with humility.

April 27, 2026 Just a quick update on training/non-training nights at Departure Bay School gym.

There is no training on these days:

May 8 - Friday - NO TRAINING

Monday, May 11 – for Green Belts & up only – no beginners

May 18 - Monday - Stat. Holiday

May 22 – Friday - NO TRAINING

Friday, June 12th last day of training at the school – enjoy your 2 weeks off.
Summer training:

July 7th Tuesday is the first night of summer training at Oliver Woods on Tuesdays & Thursdays. We have the Salal room #1 upstairs from 7 to 8 pm until Thursday, August 27th. Training with air conditioning is cool!

We will return to Departure Bay Elementary in September.

Thanks to everyone for supporting our club and to Sensei Doug & Sempai Mark for training us!

From Cindy, Secretary of Nanaimo Shotokan Karate-Do Club

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