The Dojo Kun

The Dojo Kun

Terminology:

Do = “The Way” – as in KarateDo (the way of the empty hand) or JuDo (the gentle way) or KenDo (the way of the sword), etc.  The “Do” differentiates the practice from the “Jutsu” martial arts schools, where technique is pretty much the solitary concern of training. In the “Do” martial arts schools, technique is one of several points of focus, others including being a good person, etc.
Jo = “place” – So the “DoJo” is the place where the “way” is done.
Kun = “saying(s)” or “motto” – a saying or set of sayings

Thus, “Dojo Kun” is the class motto.  But it should be more than just a bunch of words we say mindlessly at the end of class. It is something we should think about and try to incorporate into our lives outside the dojo.

Almost every Shotokan practitioner is familiar with the below Dojo Kun, or something very close to it:

• Seek perfection of character.
• Be faithful.
• Endeavor
• Respect others.
• Refrain from violent behavior.

The Japanese Dojo Kun from this was taken:

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, doryoku 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

Some of the translations are a little simplistic (How can “Hitotsu, Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto” be just “endeavor”?). But the focus of this article is not to re-translate the dojo kun but rather to focus on our adherence to a code of conduct which is meant to give us a framework as opposed to a very specific task list.

What is this “Hitotsu” at the beginning of each line of the Japanese version of the Dojo Kun? It means “One.” How can each line-item be #1? Why not list them out as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5? Well. It is basically the equivalent of a bullet point and implies that they are all equally important. This being said, if someone says the dojo kun out of order, that really isn’t a major offense, apart from that the first one really is the BIG one. The other four lines basically provide examples of what the first one is about.

As for what is implied in each of these lines, let’s break it down a little:

• Seek perfection of character

Be the best person you can be. It is not that we must be perfect. We should STRIVE TOWARD perfection of our character. The Japanese version uses the term “completeness” of character. Either way, we should try to be good people. And that involves many things, including examples in the other 4 line-items of the dojo kun, below.

• Be faithful.

In the Japanese version, we are admonished to stick to the “true path.” Although a little ambiguous, the implication is basically that we should “do the right thing.” Showing blind-faith to a specific dojo or organization is not what is being stressed here, although some high-ranking instructors may want you to think this.

• Endeavor

Keep trying. Don’t give up.  Although the Japanese version is more eloquent, it basically implies the same message.

• Respect others.

The Japanese version of the Dojo Kun speaks of courtesy, the idea is similar. We should show respect through courtesy. We should not mad-mouth people, engage in “back-stabbing,” etc.

• Refrain from violent behavior.

Again, although the Japanese words are a bit different, the implication is close enough. Don’t engage in violent activities. Of course we are preparing for violent encounters in our training. But we must be careful to avoid such situations as much as possible. Furthermore, there are non-physical examples of violence. We should minimize our angry outbursts, whether toward family and friends or the stranger who cuts us off on the highway.

The Dojo Kun includes some important messages for us all. We should aim to be the best people we can. “Be the best person you can be.” “Do the right thing.” “Don’t give up.” “Be courteous/respectful.” “Don’t let your temper get out of control.” I think these are all good points to keep in mind and I am glad to be repeating these lines many times each week.

For those who do NOT have a Dojo Kun, perhaps it is something you might want to add to your routine?