The Dojo Kun

The Dojo Kun was originally written by Satsunuku "Tode. Sakugawa. It is a set of

principles to guide the karate student in daily conduct.

1. STRIVE FOR A GOOD MORAL CHARACTER.

2. KEEP AN HONEST AND SINCERE WAY.

3. CULTIVATE PERSEVERANCE OR WILL FOR STRIVING.

4. DEVELOP A RESPECTFUL ATTITUDE.

5. RESTRAIN AGGRESSION THROUGH SPIRITUAL ATTAINMENT.

Morality of Karate

The following set of principles is displayed in Hanshi Nakazato’s Dojo in Okinawa:

1. The ideal of karate is to cultivate noble character and conduct, and the virtues of modesty and courtesy.

2. "No forestalling in Karate." Karate is the military art for self-defense to protect and preserve your life, and never to attack others on your own initiative.

3. .Perseverance is the root of all conduct.. True patience lies in bearing what is unbearable!

4. Put back your hands when you are full of fight and retract your fight when your hands itch to deal a blow.

5. "Softness is unity." "Strength is unity." The ultimate object of human beings should be coexistence and co-prosperity in .peace..

6. Avoid fights and quarrels even when dared.

The training rules below were set up and approved by the 10th Dan Choshin Chibana (1885-1969) for dojo conduct.

♦ Upon entering and leaving the training floor, all students will show proper respect by bowing to the Shomen.

♦ Personal appearance is of the greatest concern in Karate-Do. All students are expected to be neat and clean at all times when training. Toenails and fingernails are to be properly

♦ When lining up for class, the highest ranking student will be to the right of the Shomen. If more than one student is of the same rank, then the one with the longest time-in-grade will be to the right. If both have the same time-in-grade, then the oldest will line up to the right.

♦ Before beginning class, the senior student will call the class to attention and bow to the Shomen. He will then direct the class to bow to the Instructor. The same gestures will apply at the end of the class.

♦ Should the Instructor ask a student a question, the student will answer in a respectful manner. Should a student wish to ask the Instructor a question, the student should bow and address the Instructor with the proper respect due him. The same courtesy is expected when a higher ranking belt is authorized to take over class.

♦ There will be no talking in class at any time. All questions concerning specific techniques of personal interest or other matters of personal concern should be directed to the Instructor either before or after class. Only the Instructor, or one so designated by the Instructor to teach, is to talk during class.

♦ As a matter of proper conduct, no student will ask a higher ranking student or Instructor to spar. There will be no sparring in the dojo without the permission of the Instructor.

♦ No student will excuse himself from class without first obtaining permission from the Instructor.

♦ When entering the dojo you must enter with the intention of training. When you put on your gi you should put it on with the wish to train seriously. The senior student should, if wearing a gi, ask the Instructor if he would like help in teaching the lower ranking students. This is a privilege and an obligation on the part of the senior students.