Most traditional Karate styles have a set of rules that are recited at the beginning and end of class. We are a member of Shito-Ryu Satokai and follow a set of Dojo Kun that have been in place for decades. (They are the same rules as when I started Karate as a child). The English version is as follows:
Be moderate and courteous
Be righteous and have a strong sense of justice
Be modest in your words and actions
Respect others
Karatedo is a lifetime study
By reciting these rules, we have an opportunity each class to reflect on the meaning of each rule and how they relate to events in our daily lives. The journey of self improvement is long and arduous and requires regular and consistent effort. Having a well defined set of principles helps guide us on our journey.
