Dojo Kun
Dōjō kun is a Japanese martial arts term literally meaning (training hall) rules. They outline behaviour expected and disallowed. Each class ends with the recitation of the five precepts of the school to instill a non-violent, respectful attitude in all practitioners.
English translation of the five rules is as follows:
- Seek perfection of character
- Be faithful
- Endeavor
- Respect others
- Refrain from violent behavior
Dōjō kun
(updated Nov. 15, 2019)
一、人格完成に努むること
hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
[jinkaku = character, kansei = completion/perfection, ni = for, tsutomuru = to strive]一、誠の道を守ること
hitotsu, makoto no michi wo mamoru koto
[makoto = sincerity/integrity, no = ‘s, michi = path, wo = object indicator, mamoru = to defend/uphold]一、努力の精神を養うこと
hitotsu, doryoku no seishin wo yashinau koto
[doryoku = effort, no = ’s, seishin = spirit, wo = object indicator, yashinau = to cultivate]一、礼儀を重んずること
hitotsu, reigi wo omonzuru koto
[reigi = courtesy, wo = object indicator, omonzuru = to honor]一、血気の勇を戒むること
hitotsu, kekki no yū wo imashimuru koto
[kekki = vigor (impetuousness), no = ‘s, yū = courage/bravery, wo = object indicator, imashimuru = to refrain from]The word “hitotsu” means “one” or “first” and is prepended to each rule to place it at the same level of importance as the others; thus it can be translated as “item” and functions as a bullet point. The word koto, which ends each rule, means “thing” or “matter” and is used to nominalize each sentence and turn it into a command.