The secret principle of martial arts is not vanquishing the attacker, but resolving to avoid an encounter before its occurrence. To become an object of an attack is an indication that there was an opening in one's guard, and the important thing is to be on guard at all times.

When you are learning a new technique, practice it wholeheartedly until you truly understand it.

Seek perfection of character. Be faithful. Endeavor. Respect others. Refrain from violent behaviour.

Beginners must master low stance and posture, natural body positions are for the advanced.

Hoping to see karate included in the universal physical education taught in our public schools, I set about revising the kata so as to make them as simple as possible. Times change, the world changes, and obviously the martial arts must change too. The karate that high school students practice today is not the same karate that was practiced even as recently as ten years ago [this book was written in 1956], and it is a long way indeed from the karate I learned when I was a child in Okinawa.

Only a true weakling is capable of true courage.

Remember that you must always have a deep regard for courtesy, and you must be respectful and obedient toward your seniors.