At the end of every lesson students recite the Dojo Kun, literally meaning ‘training hall rules’ or ‘code of morals’. Master Gichin Funakoshi established these five guiding principles with the belief that they become part of our everyday life and are not just intended for the dojo. Usually they are recited in English with a basic translation, however as you can see from the interpretation written in (brackets) below there is a far deeper meaning when one studies the Japanese interpretation.

 

Hitotsu! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto

Seek perfection of character  ('To strive for a full or complete character’)

 

Hitotsu! Makoto no michi o mamoru koto

Be faithful  (‘Defending the path in life you walk on with truthfulness and sincerity’)

 

Hitotsu! Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto

Endeavour (‘Cultivating the spirit of perseverance’)

 

Hitotsu! Reigi o omonzuru koto

Respect others (‘Honouring the principles of etiquette’)

 

Hitotsu Keki no yu o imashimuru koto

Refrain from violent behaviour (‘Be warned or guard against hot blooded behaviour’)