Dojo Kun

Greg Bird , Dojo Heiwa-do, Sarnia, wrote to Kawara ban about the Dojo Rules and the importance of following them. Rather than repeat them here, it seemed appropriate to give some background of the Dojo Kun or principles and their significance in Karate-Do.

Shoshin Nagamine, in his book, The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do (published by Charles E. Tuttle, ISBN: 0-8048 1163-6) discusses the spiritual aspect of karate-do. Part of this discussion outlines the three maxims for dojo behaviour.

The first is courtesy, partially symbolized by the bow to the dojo and to each other and by the way we treat each other in the dojo. We learn the principles and techniques from those who are senior to us in karate and, in return, show them due regard and consideration and they respond in kind. We also learn from our training partners and fellow students and show them the courtesy and respect we would like to receive in return.

The second maxim is cleanliness of the dojo, training equipment and uniforms. Although all students are responsible for keeping the dojo clean, this task is usually assigned the lower ranking students as part of their training. All of us as beginners have been expected to do our part. In most of our dojo's, this consists of the simple task of sweeping the dojo floor before each class. In some dojo's, the students wash the dojo floors with buckets of water and towels after each class. In others the entire dojo including floors, windows, doors, washrooms and change rooms are cleaned.

The third maxim is diligence. The dojo is a place to train hard and polish your technique. It is, above all, a place to polish your mind and your human spirit.

On the same subject, Bushido, The Warrior's Code by Inazo Nitobe (published by Ohara Publications, ISBN: 0-89750-031-8) explains the code of the samurai of Japan and compares Bushido to the Precepts of Knighthood of the feudal lords of Europe. Bushido became an ethical system for the samurai and governed their conduct, including respect, courtesy or politeness and diligence.

We are therefore following a tradition in the martial arts that is hundreds of years old. The Dojo Kun or principles, and what they represent, are an integral part of the Do in Karate-Do.

By Hanshi Gary Legacy