Dojo kun
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Generally accredited to Gichin Funakoshi (but rumoured to have been created by Sakugawa, an Okinawan karate enthusiast in the 18th century) the Dojo Kun, or dojo rules, 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:
- Hitotsu. Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
- Hitotsu. Makoto no michi wo mamoru koto
- Hitotsu. Doryoku no Seishin wo yashinau koto
- Hitotsu. Reigi wo omonzuru koto
- Hitotsu. Kekki no yu wo imashimuru koto
...although in the US these are typically recited in English, signifying:
- Each seek perfection of character
- Each be faithful (protect the way of truth)
- Each endeavour (foster the spirit of effort)
- Each respect the rules of etiquette
- Each 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.
