Ted Feeney , 5th kyu, Seishin dojo, London Centre Y, submitted the following.

Martial arts seems to be a continual learning experience, I hear and learn things that elevate me to new levels. One thing that influenced and motivated me greatly the last couple of weeks is an excerpt from the book, Karate-Do Nyumon, written by Gichin Funakoshi.

"....since karate is a martial art, you must practice with the utmost seriousness from the beginning. This means going beyond being simply diligent or sincere in your training. In every step, in every movement of your hand, you must imagine yourself facing an opponent with a drawn sword.

"Each and every punch must be made with the power of your entire body behind it, with the feeling of destroying your opponent with a single blow. You must believe that if your punch fails, you will forfeit your own life. Thinking this, your mind and energy will be concentrated, and your spirit will express itself to the fullest. No matter how much time you devote to practice, no matter how many months and years pass, if your practice consists of no more than moving your arms and legs, you might as well be studying dance. You will never come to know the meaning of karate..."