Dojo kun

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 18th century Okinawan karate proponent) 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 practice 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、努力の精神を養ること

hitotsu, doryōku no seishin wo yashinru 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

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.

Interpretations

Varying translations and interpretations of the dojo kun exists. 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 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)

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

• Seek perfection of character
• Be sincere
• Put maximum effort into everything you do
• Respect others
• Develop self-control

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

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

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

In Ryu-te the Dojo Kun consists of five rules and are (in English) 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 ability through spiritual attainment.

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.

In Budokan (NSW Branch) 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^[1]. It is used by many as a condensed form of Funakoshi's 20 precepts.

External links

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

References

1. ^ The JKA dojo kun

This article related to a term from martial arts is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v • d • e