World Shotokan Karate-do Masters Union

     The Dojo Kun (道場訓) is a set of five guiding principles recited in many traditional karate dojos, especially in Shotokan Karate , to instill discipline, respect, and moral character in practitioners.      Funakoshi’s Dojo Kun (Shotokan Karate) Hitotsu! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto 一、人格完成に努むること Seek perfection of character. Hitotsu! Makoto no michi o mamoru koto 一、誠の道を守ること Be faithful. Hitotsu! Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto 一、努力の精神を養うこと Endeavor (put in maximum effort). Hitotsu! Reigi o omonzuru koto 一、礼儀を重んずること Respect others. Hitotsu! Kekki no yū o imashimuru koto 一、血気の勇を戒むること Refrain from violent behavior.      Meaning and Philosophy: Each principle begins with "Hitotsu" (一, meaning "One") to signify that all are equally important. The Dojo Kun reminds practitioners that karate is not just about physical skill but also about developing good character and discipline in everyday life. © The World Shotokan Karate-do Masters Uni...

20 Precepts of Karate  (Nijū Kun)      Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate, outlined 20 Precepts of Karate (Nijū Kun), which serve as philosophical guidelines for practitioners. These principles emphasize character development, discipline, and the deeper meaning of martial arts beyond physical techniques. Here they are: Karate begins and ends with courtesy. (礼に始まり礼に終わる - Rei ni hajimari rei ni owaru) There is no first attack in karate. (空手に先手なし - Karate ni sente nashi) Karate is an aid to justice. (空手は義の補け - Karate wa gi no tasuke) First know yourself, then know others. (先づ自己を知れ而して他を知れ - Mazu jiko o shire, shikashite ta o shire) Spirit is more important than technique. (技術より心術 - Gijutsu yori shinjutsu) Be ready to release your mind. (心は放たん事を要す - Kokoro wa hanatan koto o yosu) Misfortune comes out of idleness. (禍は懈怠に生ず - Wazawai wa ketai ni shozu) Do not think that karate training happens only in the dojo. (道場のみの空手と思ふな - Dōjō nomi no karate to om...