Dojo kun

Dojo kun
File:Dojokun.png
Calligraphy by Masatoshi Nakayama
Dojo kun
For the Japanese cartoon character, see Domo-kun.

Dojo kun is a Japanese martial arts term literally meaning dojo (training hall) rules. They are generally posted at the entrance to training halls or at the "front" of the dojo (shomen) and outline behaviour expected and disallowed. In some styles of martial arts they are recited at the end of a class.

Contents

Shotokan Karate

Generally accredited to Gichin Funakoshi (but rumoured to have been created by Kanga Sakukawa, an 18th century Okinawan karate proponent) the Dojo kun serves as a set of five guiding principles, recited at the end of each Shotokan training session, intended to frame the practice within an ethical context.

The five rules (in Japanese) are:[1]

一、人格完成に努むること
hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
一、誠の道を守ること
hitotsu, makoto no michi wo mamoru koto
一、努力の精神を養うこと
hitotsu, doryōku no seishin wo yashinau koto
一、礼儀を重んずること
hitotsu, reigi wo omonzuru koto
一、血気の勇を戒むること
hitotsu, kekki no yū wo imashimuru koto


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.

Interpretations

Varying translations and interpretations of the dojo kun exists. Each translation differs in the terms used and the interpretations vary regarding the philosophical depth, meaning, and intention.

The population of English karate practitioners has pushed one form of the translation into being the most widely accepted outside of Japan. Generally, the English translation states:

  • Each person must strive for the completion of one's character
  • Each person must be faithful and protect the way of truth
  • Each person must endeavour (fostering the spirit of effort)
  • Each person must respect others and the rules of etiquette
  • Each person must refrain from violent behavior (guard against impetuous courage)

A more terse translation is used by the ISKF and JKA:

  • Strive for completion of character
  • Be Faithful
  • Endeavor
  • Respect others
  • Refrain from violent behaviour

The dojo kun also appears in various other martial arts styles, with alterations according to the general precepts of that style.

In Goju Ryu the Dojo Kun consists of eight rules and are (in English) as follows:

  • One thing: Be humble and polite.
  • One thing: Train considering your physical strength.
  • One thing: Practice earnestly with creativity.
  • One thing: Be calm and swift.
  • One thing: Take care of your health.
  • One thing: Live a plain life.
  • One thing: Do not be too proud or modest.
  • One thing: Continue your training with patience.

In Ryu-te the Dojo Kun consists of five rules and are (in English) as follows:

  • Strive for good moral character.
  • Keep an honest and sincere way.
  • Cultivate perseverance through a will for striving.
  • Develop a respectful attitude.
  • Restrain physical ability through spiritual attainment.

In Bushido the Dojo Kun consists of five rules and are (in English) as follows:

  • Loyalty is the essential duty of the soldier.
  • Courage is essential since the trait of the fighting man is his spirit to win.
  • Valor is a trait to be admired and encouraged in the modern warrior.
  • Faithfulness in keeping one's word.
  • Simplicity is a samurai virtue.

In Budokan (NSW Branch) the Dojo Kun consists of four rules and are (in English) as follows:

  • Show courtesy, respect and honesty towards others.
  • Develop confidence through knowledge, honesty and strength.
  • Never use violence for personal gain.
  • Seek perfection of character.

Derivation

The Dojo kun was derived from Gichin Funakoshi's The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate, or niju kun, by JKA officials[2]. It is used by many as a condensed form of Sensei Funakoshi's 20 precepts. In Shotokan or any other styles, the main purpose of learning karate is

  • to practice courtesy
  • be able to speak out (Increase self confidence)
  • train focus to reach objectives
  • train guidance ability
  • train resistance against pressure
  • train speaking ability
  • train spirit of strive
  • train harmony characteristic
  • success or failure is not important

The 3 most important spirits in dojo is

  • say yes to obey
  • say thanks to appreciate
  • say sorry to increase introspection

Dojo Accomplishments (This has to be everyone's consensus) When walking into the dojo the greeting is the word "oss" (osu). It is short for a Japanese word "onegaishimasu" it means to practice patience. The word can be used when start of the class. The word can also mean sorry, or can be used as yes. Saying this word is to show each other respect to either the instructors or the students. When "oss" is used for sorry it might be when doing pair work the partner accidentally made contact or when late to class. In karate the students should be in dojo 5 mins prior the class starts. Therefore late to class normally is not acceptable by some strict instructors. Before the class starts, students say "oss" to instructor and others follow by a bow. This is to show the respect to everyone before class and ask everyone to give advice. At the end of the class again students bow and say "oss" to instructors and others to say thanks for their help.

External links

References

  1. ^ 日本空手松涛連盟（JKS） 道場訓解説
  2. ^ The JKA dojo kun
Stub icon This article related to a term from martial arts is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.