Dojo kun

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Dojo kun is a Japanese martial arts term literally meaning dojo rules. They are generally posted at the entrance to training halls and outline behaviour expected and disallowed. In some styles of martial arts they are recited.

[edit] Shotokan Karate

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: