The dojo Kun are the rules of the dojo
that have been passed down from Okinawan Karate Masters to the presents.
Seek Perfection of Character.
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.
Be Faithful.
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.
Endeavor to excel.
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.
Respect Others.
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. Grand Masters stressed that Karate begins
and ends with courtesy. They 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.
Refrain From Violent Behavior.
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.
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