Dojo Kun

Everyone who trains in karate must know the Dojo Kun. At the end of each training session—whether at the dojo, after class, or following a tournament—the students recite the Dojo Kun together as a reminder of why we train. The Dojo Kun expresses the foundational philosophy of karate, as taught by its founder, Master Gichin Funakoshi.

Master Funakoshi believed that for a true karate-ka, the Dojo Kun should not only serve as a code of conduct within the dojo but also as a guide for daily life. Everything we learn in the dojo should be applied to our everyday lives, reinforcing values that transcend the practice of karate. Next to each principle you will find the phonetic pronunciation in Japanese.

This is the ultimate goal of karate. The other four principles of the Dojo Kun, along with the entire Niju Kun, guide us in understanding and pursuing this highest objective—perfection of character. This principle is paramount, emphasizing that true growth comes from within. Seeking perfection of character is something we should strive for in every moment of our lives.

This pursuit means we should never stop learning. Karate training, much like life itself, is a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery—a lifelong process. Setting goals is essential, but as soon as we reach one, we must aim higher, always seeking improvement. To seek perfection of character is to continually strive to better oneself, embracing every opportunity to learn and grow.

To be faithful is to bring sincerity to everything you do. This principle calls for wholehearted effort at all times, in every aspect of life.

Being faithful means staying true to others and honoring your commitments, but it also means staying true to yourself. To achieve this, you must strive to give your best in all endeavors.

When you are faithful to yourself, others naturally place their trust in you, fostering mutual respect and trust. This self-faithfulness is essential to achieving your highest potential and becoming the best person you can be.

Give your full effort to everything you do. Whether you’re training, working, or nurturing relationships, commit one hundred percent. Anything less is a disservice to yourself and to others. If you don’t strive to do your best, you’re not being faithful to yourself or others, and you aren’t truly pursuing perfection of character.

A true martial artist shows respect to everyone. This respect should come from the heart, as it reflects humility—a quality essential for maintaining an open mind. Humility allows you to learn and grow, as every person you encounter has something to teach. Every individual is also a potential opponent in some way, whether physically or otherwise. By respecting everyone, you gain clarity, recognizing situations as they are and gaining valuable insights from each experience.

This principle reminds us to cultivate inner calm and maintain control at all times. Conflict within is a form of violence that can lead to outwardly violent actions, which a martial artist should strive to avoid. True control begins with inner peace and a clear mind. If, as a last resort, you must defend yourself, do so with a calm and focused mind, ensuring that your actions remain measured and rooted in peace. This way, if you ever need to use karate techniques, they will indeed be your last resort.