Significance
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.
Dojo Kun #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.
Dojo Kun #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.
Dojo Kun #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.
Dojo Kun #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 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.
