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When you enter a dojo, you see a five-point statement of guidelines hanging on the walls, called Dojo Kun. However, many karate aspirants like you might know that and have a basic understanding of dojo rules. But still are not aware of the significance of these guidelines, which holds them back.
If you are a karate aspirant, it’s vital to know the interpretation and significance of the Dojo Kun before you join a dojo. You don’t need to go anywhere else for that. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the origin and meaning of the Dojo Kun for different karate styles.
Let’s check them.
What Is Dojo Kun?
The Dojo Kun (道場訓) is the foundational Karate precepts that are recited in both Japanese and English. Master Funakoshi (Father of modern karate) gave the set of karate principles. These rules serve as the guide to properly behave within and outside the dojo.
Dojo Kun is a verbal statement that all students recite, generally at the end of training sessions. Its purpose is to recall the students’ physical, mental and spiritual growth during karate training, which should not be just limited to the dojo. Instead, it must extend beyond the walls of the dojo.
The dojo’s Sensei or Sempai first recites the Funakoshi Dojo Kun. Then all the students repeat after him, preceding the final bow at the end of each class.
The Dojo Kun in English is widely adopted by the English-speaking karate dojo worldwide. Today’s English version is the imprecise translation of Japanese Dojo Kun. The Japanese version was formerly written by the forefather of Shotokan Karate, Gichin Funakoshi.
Interpretations Of The 5 Kuns
The dojo kun varies for different styles, and so do the interpretations. The translations also differ from each other. But the basic theme is quite the same.
Commonly, the English Martial Arts practitioners use the following translation of the five kuns:
- Every individual must strive for the perfection of his or her character.
- Every individual must be faithful and protect the way of truth.
- Every individual must work hard to reach his or her goals.
- Every individual must respect every other individual and the dojo etiquettes.
- Every individual must abstain from fired-up and brutal behavior.
The more precise version is:
- Seek perfection of character
- Be sincere
- Try hard
- Respect others
- Avoid violence
The most briefest translation used in some of the dojos is:
- Character
- Faithfulness
- Endeavor
- Respect
- Self-Control
Dojo Kun Origin
Nearly 200 years back, to the initial stages of Okinawan karate, great masters have advised their successors with a noble list of principles. The list summarizes the philosophical and technical methods of their martial arts.
Gichin Funakoshi gave us the set of rules for the dojo and named them Dojo Kun. Dojo Kun is the brief summations of guidance and beliefs of the famous karate masters, repeated before or after practice. Let’s check them.
Different Karate Styles Dojo Kun
1. Shotokan Dojo Kun
In Shotokan Karate (the style of karate that was developed by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi), dojo Kun serves as the collection of five guiding principles recited at the end of training sessions. The Shotokan Dojo Kun is anticipated to frame the practice within a proper context.
The five Dojo Kun are;
1- 人格 完成に 努める こと
Every individual must strive for the perfection and completion of their character.
2- 誠の道を守ること
Everyone must be sincere and protect the way of truth.
3- 努力の精神を養うこと
Every person must cultivate the spirit of effort.
4- 礼儀を重んずること
Everyone must respect other individuals and the rules etiquettes of the dojo.
5- 血気の勇を戒むること
Everyone should maintain self-control and avoid impulsive and harsh behavior.
2. Goju Ryu Dojo Kun
In Goju Ryu (the main traditional Okinawan Karate style), there are 8 different Dojo Kun published on the wall of their dojo.
The Dojo Kun of Goju Ryu is as follows;
1- Hitotsu: Be polite but do not be too modest.
2- Hitotsu: Be courageous and consider your physical strength while training.
3- Hitotsu: Practice sincerely to train your body and soul.
4- Hitotsu: Stay calm.
5- Hitotsu: Stay healthy.
6- Hitotsu: Train daily and care for traditional karate-do.
7- Hitotsu: Make every effort to reach the heart of Goju Ryu.
8- Hitotsu: Do not give up.
The word used at the beginning of every rule, “Hitotsu,” means “first.” It interprets that irrespective of being followed as listed, no rule is more important than another.
3. Ryu-te Dojo Kun
The Dojo Kun in Ryu-te is similar to those, which are used in the Shotokan Karate. The interpretation of Dojo Kun in English is as follows:
1- Striving to keep up the good moral character.
2- Be sincere and honest.
3- Develop determination through a will for striving.
4- Be humble and respect others.
5- Put away anger and violence through spiritual attainment.
4. Shito Ryu Dojo Kun
The Shito-Ryu Dojo Kun has the following rules;
1- Hitotsu – Jinkaku kansei ni tsuto meru koto
Every individual must struggle to make one’s character perfect.
2- Hitotsu – Makoto no michi o mamoru koto
Every person has to be faithful and trustworthy.
3- Hitotsu – Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto
In every individual, there should be a spirit of effort.
4- Hitotsu – Rei gi o omonzuru koto
It’s essential for every person to respect others and follow dojo etiquette.
5- Hitotsu- Kekki no yu o imashimuru koto
Every person should restrain himself from expressing aggressive behavior.
5. Budōkan Karate Dojo Kun
The Budōkan Karate Dojo Kun has four rules. Which are;
1- Be honest, courteous, and respectful towards others
2- Develop confidence in yourself by means of knowledge, honesty, and strength.
3- Avoid violence by any means
4- Seek excellence of character.
6. Bushido Dojo Kun
In Bushido Dojo Kun, there are five rules.
1- Stay loyal. It’s obligatory for the soldier.
2- Be courageous. It’s curtailed because winning spirit is a trait of a fighting man.
3- Valor is a characteristic to be appreciated and cheered for in the modern warrior.
4- Be faithful and loyal in keeping your word
5- Simplicity is a virtue of a samurai
The following explanations set forth the meaning of the Dojo Kun.
1. Seek Perfection of Character
Character
This means that the art of karate is more than just physical. All beginners, especially the young, should be 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. Train to bring out the spirit, not only to fight but to overcome personal problems especially in times of sickness, domestic crisis or business problems. It is a long path to develop these spiritual values but once the concept is understood and experienced it will provide a lifetime benefit of inner strength and peace.
2. Be Faithful
Loyalty
To be faithful is a strong samurai tradition and an extension of the Confucius influence on the family and martial arts. The faith to be shown is in your sensei and dojo. 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.
3. Endeavor
Effort
To endeavor means 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. The endeavor must be of a sincere nature and not just superficial. 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.
4. Respect Others
Etiquette
Respect for others is an important part of the Japanese and Okinawan culture therefore common to the martial arts. Gichin Funakoshi stressed that karate begins and ends with etiquette. He also stated that without courtesy there is no dojo. This is a reflection of the formal nature of the Japanese people and may be observed bowing during training as well as at home or office. 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.
5. Refrain From Violent Behavior
Control
A trained fighter is a person with a fierce competitive spirit and great strength so it is unfair to use it against an untrained person. The karate-ka’s spirit is unbeatable and must use his knowledge only for the sake of justice. A person of character can walk away from a fight because he is in control of his emotions and is at peace with himself. He does not have to test his abilities on the street. He wins without fighting and he will 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 of winning tournaments, and they want to do it as quickly as possible which is against the principles of karate-do and dojo kun. It is therefore necessary for instructors to constantly remind the students of the importance of the dojo kun.
Remember
Regardless of when you say the dojo kun,
or in what language you speak it,
say it with pride and say it like you mean it.
Final Words
The article highlights the significance of five-statement Dojo Kun guidelines, which are must for a karate student. Moreover, we have also provided you with a detailed guide on different styles of Dojo Kun and their key significances in both English and Japanese. Hope you have found it valuable.
