Dojo kun

For the Japanese cartoon character, see Domo-kun.

Dojo kun is a Japanese martial arts term literally meaning (training hall) rules. They are generally posted at the entrance to dojo or at the "front" of the dojo (shomen) and outline behaviour expected and disallowed. In some styles of martial arts they are recited at the end of a class.

Shotokan Karate

Generally accredited to Gichin Funakoshi (but rumoured to have been created by Kanga Sakukawa, an 18th-century Okinawan karate proponent) the Shotokan Karate dojo kun serves as a set of five guiding principles, recited at the end of each training session in most styles, intended to frame the practice within an ethical context.

The five rules are:

一、人格 完成に 努める こと

hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomeru koto

jinkaku = personality, kansei = complete (perfect), ni = to, tsutomeru = endeavour

一、誠の道を守ること

hitotsu, makoto no michi wo mamoru koto

makoto = truth, no = 's, michi = path, wo = with respect to that, mamoru = defend

一、努力の精神を養うこと

hitotsu, doryoku no seishin wo yashinau koto

doryoku = effort, no = ’s, seishin = spirit, wo = with respect to that, yashinau = cultivate

一、礼儀を重んずること

hitotsu, reigi wo omonzuru koto

reigi = courtesy, wo = with respect to that, omonzuru = honour

一、血気の勇を戒むること

hitotsu, kekki no yū wo imashimuru koto

kekki = vigor (impetuousness), no = of, yu = courage, wo = with respect to that, imashimuru = refrain

The word Hitotsu means "one" or "first" and is prepended to each rule to place it at the same level of importance as the others. The word koto which ends each rule means "thing" and is used as a conjunction between rules. Also, the Japanese no indicates possessiveness and is equivalent to the English 's e.g. doryoku no seishin = effort's spirit = the spirit of effort. wo (and wa) is used to indicate that the preceding element is the subject of the sentence e.g. X wo Y = with respect to X, Y. Finally, the word imashimuru seems archaic, however, it contains the radical 戒 that means admonition and is usually translated as refrain.

Interpretations

Varying translations and interpretations of the dojo kun exist. Each translation differs in the terms used and the interpretations vary regarding the philosophical depth, meaning, and intention.

The population of English karate practitioners has pushed one form of the translation into being the most widely accepted outside of Japan. Generally, the English translation states:

• Each person must strive for the completion and perfection of one's character
• Each person must be faithful and protect the way of truth
• Each person must endeavor (fostering the spirit of effort)
• Each person must respect others and the rules of etiquette
• Each person must refrain from violent behavior (guard against impetuous courage)

A more terse translation is used by the ISKF, IKA and JKA:

• Strive for completion of character (or Seek perfection of character)
• Be Faithful
• Endeavor
• Respect others
• Refrain from violent behavior

The dojo kun also appears in various other martial arts styles, with alterations according to the general precepts of that style.

Goju Ryu

In Goju Ryu the Dojo Kun consists of eight rules and are (in English) as follows:

• Hitotsu: Be humble and polite.
• Hitotsu: Train considering your physical strength.
• Hitotsu: Practice earnestly with creativity.
• Hitotsu: Be calm and swift.
• Hitotsu: Take care of your health.
• Hitotsu: Live a plain life.
• Hitotsu: Do not be too proud or modest.
• Hitotsu: Continue your training with patience.

Ryu-te

The dojo kun Ryu-te are, in Japanese, the same as those used in Shotokan. The English translation used is as follows:

• Strive for good moral character.
• Keep an honest and sincere way.
• Cultivate perseverance through a will for striving.
• Develop a respectful attitude.
• Restrain physical aggression through spiritual attainment.

Bushido

In Bushido the Dojo Kun consists of five rules and are (in English) as follows:

• Loyalty is the essential duty of the soldier.
• Courage is essential since the trait of the fighting man is his spirit to win.
• Valor is a trait to be admired and encouraged in the modern warrior.
• Faithfulness in keeping one's word.
• Simplicity is a samurai virtue.

Budōkan Karate

In Budōkan Karate the Dojo Kun consists of four rules and are (in English) as follows:

• Show courtesy, respect and honesty towards others.
• Develop confidence through knowledge, honesty and strength.
• Never use violence for personal gain.
• Seek perfection of character.

Derivation

The Dojo kun was derived from Gichin Funakoshi's The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate, or niju kun, by JKA officials. It is used by many as a condensed form of Sensei Funakoshi's 20 precepts.

(the below is someone's opinion. The obvious omission of anything relating to physical practice indicates it is not totally honest): In Shotokan or any other styles, the main purpose of learning karate is

• to practice courtesy
• be able to speak out (Increase self-confidence)
• train focus to reach objectives
• train guidance ability
• train resistance against pressure
• train speaking ability
• train spirit of strive
• train harmony characteristic
• success or failure is not important

(the below is also someone's opinion): The 3 most important spirits in dojo is

• say yes to obey
• say thanks to appreciate
• say sorry to increase introspection

External links

• Calligraphy and sound
• A Defense of the Dojo Kun
• The Shotokan Way
• The Dojo Kun of Bushido and Karate-Do