The Dojo Kun from Steve Denoo

   


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Dojo Kun
The Kyokushin Dojo Kun (Training Hall Oath) was written by Mas Oyama with the help of Eiji Yoshikawa, the author of the novel Musashi, which was based on the life and exploits of Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's most famous Samurai warrior.
The Dojo Kun is usually recited at the beginning of each training session, when the students and instructors are lined up by rank in seiza (formal kneeling). Each line of the Dojo Kun is recited by the most senior student and repeated by the entire class together. Some dojos, however choose not to recite a Dojo Kun for various reasons, mostly because I think they want to develop their own. I find it a good exercise, and will help train the mind for the training to come, and should not be overlooked. I have included two here. If you have a good one send it to me.

    Dojo Kun
  1. We will train our hearts and bodies, For a firm unshaking spirit.
  2. We will pursue the true meaning of the Martial Way, So that in time our senses may be alert.
  3. With true vigor, We will seek to cultivate a spirit of self denial.
  4. We will observe the rules of courtesy, Respect our superiors, and refrain from violence.
  5. We will follow our God, And never forget the true virtue of humility.
  6. We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, Not seeking other desires.
  7. All our lives, through the discipline of Karate, We will seek to fulfill the true meaning of the Kyokushin Way.

    8. Some dojos recite the fifth line as "We will follow our Gods and Buddha...", which is a more literal translation of shinbutsu. However, the full meaning of the Japanese word is not expressed in this literal translation, since it involves Buddhist and Shinto principles with which many Westerners are not familiar. Other dojos recite the line as "We will follow our religious principles..."

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    Dojo Kun of Gichin Funakoshi

  1. Karate begins and ends with REI. (courtesy)
  2. An offensive attitude does not exist in Karate.
  3. Karate is an aid to justice.
  4. First know yourself and then others.
  5. Spirit is more important than technique.
  6. It is necessary to let KOKORO free (the mind).
  7. Accidents result of neglect.
  8. Karate training is not only in the dojo.
  9. Karate is a lifelong training.
  10. Confront your problems with a Karate spirit.
  11. Karate is like warm water (if you don't heat it constantly, it will cool).
  12. Do not foster the idea of winning neither that of being defeated.
  13. Transform yourself according to your opponent.
  14. The secret of combat resides in the art of directing it.
  15. Think of your arms and legs as swords.
  16. When you leave your home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you (it is your behavior that invites trouble from them).
  17. Beginners must master low stance and posture; natural body positions are for the advanced.
  18. Strive for the perfect form (kata), real combat is something else.
  19. Do not forget to correctly apply: strength and weakness of power, expansion and contraction of the body, and slow and fast techniques.
  20. Always try to study and express it better.



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