In the past, it was expected that about three years were required to learn a single kata, and usually even an expert of considerable skill would only know three, or at most five, kata.
Gichin FunakoshiYou may train for a long time, but if you merely move your hands and feet and jump up and down like a puppet, learning karate is not very different from learning a dance. You will never have reached the heart of the matter; you will have failed to grasp the quintessence of karate-do.
Gichin FunakoshiIn battle, do not think that you have to win. Think rather that you do not have to lose.
Gichin FunakoshiWhen you are learning a new technique, practice it wholeheartedly until you truly understand it.
Gichin FunakoshiIt is important that karate can be practiced by the young and old, men and women alike. That is, since there is no need for a special training place, equipment, or an opponent, a flexibility in training is provided such that the physically and spiritually weak individual can develop his body and mind so gradually and naturally that he himself may not even realize his own great progress.
Gichin Funakoshi