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The
dojo Kun are the rules of the dojo that have been
passed down from Okinawan Karate Masters to the
presents.
Seek Perfection of Character.
(Hitotsu !!! Jinkaku kansei
ni tsuto muru koto)
This means that the art of Karate is more than just
physical. All beginners, especially the young, are
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. We train hard
to develop a strong spirit, not only to fight but
also to overcome personal problems especially in
times of weakness. Developing these spiritual values
is most difficult, but once achieved they will provide
a lifetime benefit of inner strength and peace.
Be Faithful.
(Hitotsu !!! Makato no
michi o mamoru koto)
To be faithful is a strong Samurai tradition and
an extension of the Confucian influence on the family
and martial arts. The faith to be shown is in your
Sensei (teacher) and dojo (school).
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.
Endeavor to excel.
(Hitotsu !!! Do ryoku no
seishin o yashinau koto)
To endeavor refers to the 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.
Ones efforts must be of a sincere nature and
not just superficial. This 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.
The one who can endeavor through the difficult times
with wavering is the one who will be great. The
ability to endeavor is the key to success in all
things.
Respect Others.
(Hitotsu!!! Reigi o omonsuru
koto)
Respect for others is an important part of the Japanese
and Okinawan culture and therefore it is an inseparable
part of all Traditional Japanese/Okinawan Martial
Arts. Grand Masters stressed that Karate begins
and ends with courtesy. They also stated that without
courtesy and etiquette there is no dojo. This is
a reflection of the formal nature of the Japanese
people and is best observed by the ritualistic bowing
and strict Sensei/student relationship. 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.
Refrain From Violent Behavior.
(Hitotsu !!! Kekki no you
o imashi muru koto)
A trained Karateka (practitioner of Karate-Do) is
a person with a fierce fighting spirit and great
strength, so it is unfair for them to use their
skills against an untrained person. The Karateka's
spirit is unbeatable and he must use his abilities
"ONLY" for the sake of justice. A person
of character can walk away from a fight because
they are in control of their emotions and are at
peace with themselves. They have no need to "test"
their abilities on the street. They win without
fighting and 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 towards winning tournaments.
Westerners usually want to learn as quickly as possible,
with the minimal amount of effort. This attitude
is contrary the principles of Karate-Do and Dojo
Kun. It is therefore necessary for instructors to
constantly remind the students of the importance
of patience, thoughtfulness and insight.
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