Dojo Kun
The dojo kun are a form of rules, or perhaps more accurately oaths, in the karate dojo. The dojo kun are recited at the end of class in many Shotokan karate clubs. They are basically common sense guidelines that everyone is expected to follow. Most versions in Shotokan karate are based upon a writing attributed to Gichin Funakoshi. One possible representation of Gichin Funakoshi's dojo kun is as follows
Hitotsu! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto.
(To strive for the perfection of character.)
Hitotsu! Makato no michi o mamoru koto.
(To protect/defend the paths of truth.)
Hitotsu! Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto.
(To foster the spirit of effort.)
Hitotsu! Reigi o omonsuru koto.
(To honor the principles of etiquette.)
Hitotsu! Kekki no yu o imashimuru koto.
(To guard against impetuous courage.)
Niju Kun
The nijukun are an additional set of twenty principles written by Gichin Funakoshi. As with the dojo kun, there are several different translations used by different groups of people. The following is one popular translation.
20 Precepts of Gichin Funakoshi
- Karate is not only dojo training.
- Don't forget that Karate begins with a bow and ends with a bow.
- In Karate, never attack first.
- One who practices Karate must follow the way of justice.
- First you must know yourself. Then you can know others.
- Spiritual development is paramount; technical skills are merely means to the end.
- You must release your mind.
- Misfortune comes out of laziness.
- Karate is a lifelong training.
- Put Karate into everything you do.
- Karate is like hot water. If you do not give heat constantly it will again become cold.
- Do not think you have to win. Think that you do not have to lose.
- Victory depends on your ability to tell vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
- Move according to your opponent.
- Consider your opponent's hands and legs as you would sharp swords.
- When you leave home, think that millions of opponents are waiting for you.
- Ready position for beginners and natural position for advanced students.
- Kata is one thing. Engaging in a real fight is another.
- Do not forget (1) strength and weakness of power, (2) expansion and contraction of the body, (3) slowness and speed of techniques.
- Devise at all times.