Karate ‘Dojo Kun’

Karate ‘Dojo Kun’

Dōjō kun is a Japanese martial arts term literally meaning rules. They are generally posted at the entrance to a dōjō or at the "front" of the dojo and outline behaviour expected and disallowed. In some styles of martial arts they are recited by students.

Everyone who trains Karate must know the dojo kun. At the end of each training session—whether it be at the dojo, after class, or after a technical Seminar. The dojo kun is repeated all together by the students.

The dojo kun states the basic philosophy of karate, the dojo kun should not only be considered a set of rules of conduct in the dojo, but a guide to everyday life. Everything we learn in the dojo, we should apply to everyday life.

The Dojo Kun has been passed down from master to master for many years laying down the rules of the dojo and to give guidance to karateka not only inside the dojo but also in their everyday lives, but beware there are many variations and translations of the Dojo Kun.

English:

▪ Seek Perfection of Character

▪ Be faithful and sincere

▪ Strive for a vigorous spirit

▪ Respect others

▪ Live with a positive and healthy attitude

▪ Refrain from violent behavior

Japanese:

Hitotsu: Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
一、人格完成に努むること
Hitotsu: Makoto no michi o mamoru koto
一、誠の道を守ること
Hitotsu: Ikiwo sakanni subeki koto
一、意気を盛んにすべきこと
Hitotsu : Reigi o omonzuru koto
一、礼儀を重んずること
Hitotsu: Maemuki katsu kenzen na taido de ikiru koto
一、前向きかつ健全な態度で生きること
Hitotsu: Kekki no yu o imashimuru koto
一、血気の勇を戒むること

 

Various 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 Japan.

Source : WEB