It 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 FunakoshiNo matter how you may excel in the art of Karate, and in your scholastic endeavors, nothing is more important than your behavior and your humanity as observed in daily life.
Gichin FunakoshiWhat you have been taught by listening to others' words you will forget very quickly; what you have learned with your whole body you will remember for the rest of your life.
Gichin FunakoshiIn 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 Funakoshi