Dojo Kun

The Dojo Kun is a set of training guidelines and philosophies created by Miyagi-Sensei to foster productive training and long-term enjoyment of karate-do.

Listed below is a common translation of the Dojo Kun along with a brief explanation of each:

Karate training is generally conducted as a group activity and you will have many opportunities to work with both your seniors and your juniors. By keeping a humble and polite demeanor you will increase the enjoyment for your training partners and will put yourself in the best position for karate development.

Karate training is an activity which requires physical strength and conditioning as well as agility. Keep your own condition in mind and do the best you can without injury or overexertion.

Your training will only be beneficial if you strive for excellence at all times by practicing earnestly. At the same time, be creative in your study of technique and application. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas, but always consider strong basic technique as a foundation from which to build.

The ability to act decisively and with confidence comes from calmness and swiftness gained from rigorous and disciplined training.

Karate training is a life-time pursuit of excellence. Your body and mind have the potential to continue to strengthen throughout most of your life. Don’t let poor health be a barrier to your potential in karate and in life.

Miyazato Sensei taught us that a plain and simple life allows us to focus on what is truly important by removing the distractions caused by overindulgence.

Pride can be a dangerous barrier to successful training. It can lead a student astray and prevent them from taking opportunities to improve their true weaknesses. Likewise, an overly modest attitude will not support a lifetime pursuit of goals. Work hard to see and present yourself as you truly are and to help others in the same manner.

Understand that karate training is a lifetime pursuit. Don’t be discouraged by short-term performance. Keep in mind that consistent training over many years can produce amazing abilities and don’t lose sight of that long-term goal.

Etiquette/Training Guidelines

The following etiquette and training guidelines are designed to preserve appropriate martial arts traditions and to increase the safety and enjoyment of practice for all students:

• Remove your shoes when entering the training area. When "mat shoes" are required for conditioning exercises, make sure they are clean and not outdoor shoes.

• Karate can and should be practiced alone from time-to-time to develop the ability for self-directed study. To allow for this, open training time is provided on the schedule and students should try to attend such sessions as their schedule allows. An instructor will be present during these times to assist students as needed.

• Safety should be considered at all times. While karate is an activity with a lot of direct physical contact, all efforts to should be made to reduce the likelihood of injury during practice

• If an injury occurs, either as a result of karate training or from another incident, it is very important that you give your body time to heal and recover before resuming training at full intensity.

• Make sure you supplement your karate training with other conditioning and stretching activities in order to best prepare your body for advancement and long-term practice.

• Drink plenty of water before training and as needed throughout practice sessions.

• Look for opportunities to broaden your knowledge through seminar attendance with qualified instructors. Keep your instructor informed about such training opportunities.

• Be punctual for classes.

• Show respect and courtesy to both your seniors and juniors.

• Welcome guests as fellow students and recognize the training opportunities that visitors present.

• Be polite and cheerful.

• Keep the practice area neat and clean.

• Remove all jewelry during practice.

• Ask permission before joining class late or leaving early. Also ask permission before taking a water or restroom break and keep such breaks as brief as possible.

• Keep clothing clean and neat and practice good personal hygiene. Make sure fingernails and toenails are cut in order to avoid injury.

• Follow instructor’s instructions quickly and avoid causing delays to the class.

• Work hard to positively influence the progress of your classmates.