Japanese Martial Artist Quotes

Miyamoto Musashi

Gichin Funakoshi

Koichi Tohei

Kyuzo Mifune

A good Judoka never anticipates his action in a match, but his mind is as clever as a polished mirror which enables him to foresee precisely anything to happen and he displays freedom of his physique to cope with any change. Such mental state and physical action are called sei or tranquility and do or action, sometimes they are called ju and go or tenderness and sturdiness, in and yo or negative and positive, etc.

They speak of "This Dojo" and "That Dojo". They are looking for profit.

Miyamoto Musashi

We are blessed with a spirit that is one with the spirit of the universe. This spirit is called "reiseishin". The moon is clearly reflected in the water when the water is calm. In the same way when our mind and body are unified and calm, our "reiseishin" manifests itself completely. Once this happens all suffering and wicked desires fall away, and the universal spirit of love and protection for all things appears in us. Let us strive to realise our "reiseishin".

Apply the way of karate to all things. Therein lies its beauty.

Gichin Funakoshi

Learning a technique is not an end in itself, it merely indicates where you need to start.

Masaaki Hatsumi

Be gentle, kind and beautiful, yet firm and strong, both mentally and physically.