DOJO KUN: 

The 5 Principles of the Karate Dojo









Dojo Kun #1:

Seek Perfection of Character

(Hitotsu !!! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto)

This means that the art of Karate is more than just physical. All beginners, especially the young, are taught the importance of character building through discipline and rigorous training. For the beginner, the character building process begins with perfecting techniques through repetition. The spirit to fight will be achieved as one gains more confidence through development of stronger techniques. We train hard to develop a strong spirit, not only to fight but also to overcome personal problems especially in times of weakness. Developing these spiritual values is most difficult, but once achieved they will provide a lifetime benefit of inner strength and peace.


Dojo Kun #2:

Be Faithful

(Hitotsu !!! Makoto no michi o mamoru koto)

To be faithful is a strong Samurai tradition and an extension of the Confucian influence on the family and martial arts. The faith to be shown is in your Sensei (teacher) and dojo (school).

The student must always be faithful to his Sensei and follow in much the same way as a medieval Samurai was bound to follow his feudal lord to the death without hesitation. While this may seem unusual in the present day, it is unreasonable to expect a Sensei to teach all he knows to a student who is likely to leave for the slightest reason. The student must prove his loyalty over the years. The faith and loyalty extended to the Sensei will be rewarded, in that a greater amount of knowledge and wisdom will be passed on to the student and this bond between Sensei and student is extremely valuable and is the basis of the learning relationship.


Dojo Kun #3:

Endeavor

(Hitotsu !!! Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto)

To endeavor refers to the complete dedication and commitment necessary to achieve mastery of the art.

In no case is mastery possible without strenuous effort and sacrifice on the part of the practitioner. One’s efforts must be of a sincere nature and not just superficial. This serious effort on the part of the student will be recognized by the Sensei who will in turn spend more time with him or her. The one who can endeavor through the difficult times with wavering is the one who will be great. The ability to endeavor is the key to success in all things.


Dojo Kun #4:

Respect Others

(Hitotsu!!! Reigi o omonsuru koto)

Respect for others is an important part of the Japanese and Okinawan culture and therefore it is an inseparable part of all Traditional Japanese/Okinawan Martial Arts. Master Funakoshi stressed that

Karate begins and ends with courtesy. He also stated that without courtesy and etiquette there is no

dojo. This is a reflection of the formal nature of the Japanese people and is best observed by the

ritualistic bowing and strict Sensei/student relationship. Dojo etiquette is well defined.

You bow correctly and show respect in everything you do and everywhere you go.

Respect is extended to all: senseis, parents, educators, law, deceased, nature, etc.


Dojo Kun #5:

Refrain From Violent Behavior

(Hitotsu !!! Kekki no yu o imashimuru koto)

A trained Karateka (practitioner of Karate-Do) is a person with a fierce fighting spirit and great strength,

so it is unfair for them to use their skills against an untrained person. The Karateka's spirit is unbeatable

and he must use his abilities "ONLY" for the sake of justice. A person of character can walk away from a fight because they are in control of their emotions and are at peace with themselves. They have no need

to "test" their abilities on the street. They win without fighting and have no regrets because no one will be injured. Refraining from violent behavior is hard to explain to many Westerners because of their environment, or the attitude towards winning tournaments. Westerners usually want to learn as quickly

as possible, with the minimal amount of effort. This attitude is contrary the principles of Karate-Do and

Dojo Kun. It is therefore necessary for instructors to constantly remind the students of the importance of patience, thoughtfulness and insight.














NIJU KUN

Gichin Funakoshi's 20 Precepts of Karatedo



  1. 1.Karate begins with courtesy and ends with courtesy.


  1. 2.There is no first attack in Karate.


  1. 3.Karate is an aid to justice.


  1. 4.First control yourself before attempting to control others.


  1. 5.Spirit first, technique second.


  1. 6.Always be ready to release your mind.


  1. 7.Accidents arise from negligence.


  1. 8.Do not think that Karate training is only in the dojo.


  1. 9.It will take your entire life to learn Karate; there is no limit.


  1. 10.Put your everyday living into Karate and you will find "Myo" (subtle secrets).


  1. 11.Karate is like boiling water. If you do not heat it constantly, it will cool.


  1. 12.Do not think that you have to win, think rather that you do not have to lose.


  1. 13.Victory depends on your ability to distinguish vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.


14. The battle is according to how you move guarded and unguarded (move according to your opponent).


  1. 15.Think of your hands and feet as swords.


  1. 16.When you leave home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you.

      It is your behavior that invites trouble from them.


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


  1. 18.Practicing a kata is one thing, engaging in a real fight is another.


  1. 19.Do not forget to correctly apply: strength and weakness of power,

      stretching and contraction of the body and slowness and speed of techniques.


20. Always think and devise ways to live the precepts every day.

 

"The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection

of the character of its participants."

                                       Master Gichin Funakoshi