Funakoshi Sensei’s 5th precept Spirit first, Technique second is somewhat hard to understand if you are new to Karate. The concept of spirit first and technique second applies to those who have the will to succeed even when the odds are against them and their form is not perfect.
For example, how often have you seen a smaller person win against a much larger opponent. Even though physical size, strength and superior technique would seem to be an advantage, it is the spirit or the never give up attitude that allows the smaller person to win.
It’s their belief that they must win at all costs that gives the smaller person the advantage but it also means that even if their techniques are not perfect they can still win. It’s digging deep down inside for that extra boost of energy that gives them the edge when the odds are not in their favor. An off center punch or a misplaced kick from a person with strong spirit is much more dangerous than the same technique from a person with perfect form and weak or no spirit.
I have seen many students with less than perfect form pass their Shodan exam, win tournaments or stop an attacker on the street on their spirit and I believe that Funakoshi Sensei was thinking the same when he wrote this precept.