Dōjō kun

File:Dojokun.png

Calligraphy by Masatoshi Nakayama
Dojo kun

Dojo kun is a Japanese martial arts term literally meaning dojo (training hall) rules. They are generally posted at the entrance to training halls 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 Okinawan karate enthusiast in the 18th century) the Dojo kun serves as a set of five (5) guiding principles, recited at the end of each Shotokan training session, intended to frame the practise within an ethical context.

The five rules (in Japanese) are:

一、人格完成に努むること

hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto

一、誠の道を守ること

hitotsu, makoto no michi wo mamoru koto

一、努力の精神を養うこと

hitotsu, doryōku no seishin wo yashinau koto

一、礼儀を重んずること

hitotsu, reigi wo omonzuru koto

一、血気の勇を戒むること

hitotsu, kekki no yū wo imashimuru koto

There are many translations of the dojo kun, but the English interpretation is generally agreed upon among karate schools and clubs. Generally, these mean:

• Each person must strive for the perfection of one's character
• Each person must be faithful and protect the way of truth
• Each person must endeavour (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)

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.

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

Derivation

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

External links

• Calligraphy and sound