The Dojo Kun

The “Dojo Kun” is a series of five maxims - statements of how karate practitioners should behave. In general, think of it like a cross between the pledge of allegiance and the golden rule … except there are five of them.

Many dojos recite the dojo kun after every class, but some don’t use it at all. Some only recite it in Japanese, while others insist that the common English translation isn’t very good. My opinion is this: It’s good advice, regardless of how it’s translated.

In Japanese

• Hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomeru koto!
• Hitotsu, makoto no michi wo mamoru koto!
• Hitotsu, doryoku no seishin wo yashinau koto!
• Hitotsu, reigi wo omonzuru koto!
• Hitotsu, kekki no yū wo imashimuru koto!

In (questionable) English

• Seek perfection of character.
• Be faithful.
• Endeavor to excel.
• Respect others.
• Refrain from violent behavior.

A better translation, that doesn’t “recite” well, might be:

• Be a better person than you were yesterday.
• Always do the right thing.
• Set the example by always doing your best.
• Be polite (even when it’s hard).
• Remain cool-headed.