#1: Seek Perfection of Character
This means that the art of karate is more than just
physical. All beginners, especially the young, should be taught
the importance of character building through discipline and
rigorous training. For the beginner, the character building
process begins with perfecting techniques through repetition.
The spirit to fight will be achieved as one gains more confidence
through development of stronger techniques. Train to bring out
the spirit, not only to fight but to overcome personal problems
especially in times of sickness, domestic crisis or business
problems. It is a long path to develop these spiritual values
but once the concept is understood and experienced it will provide
a lifetime benefit of inner strength and peace.
#2: Be Faithful
To be faithful is a strong samurai tradition and an
extension of the Confucius influence on the family and martial
arts. The faith to be shown is in your sensei and dojo. The
student must always be faithful to his sensei and follow in
much the same way as a medieval samurai was bound to follow
his feudal lord to the death without hesitation. While this
may seem unusual in the present day, it is unreasonable to expect
a sensei to teach all he knows to a student who is likely to
leave for the slightest reason. The student must prove his loyalty
over the years. The faith and loyalty extended to the sensei
will be rewarded, in that a greater amount of knowledge and
wisdom will be passed on to the student and this bond between
sensei and student is extremely valuable and is the basis of
the learning relationship.
#3: Endeavor
To endeavor means complete dedication and commitment
necessary to achieve mastery of the art. In no case is mastery
possible without strenuous effort and sacrifice on the part
of the practitioner. The endeavor must be of a sincere nature
and not just superficial. Serious effort on the part of the
student will be recognized by the sensei who will in turn spend
more time with him or her.
#4: Respect Others
Respect for others is an important part of the Japanese
and Okinawan culture therefore common to the martial arts. Gichin
Funakoshi stressed that karate begins and ends with etiquette.
He also stated that without courtesy there is no dojo. This
is a reflection of the formal nature of the Japanese people
and may be observed bowing during training as well as at home
or office. Dojo etiquette is well defined. You bow correctly
and show respect in everything you do and everywhere you go.
Respect is extended to all senseis, parents, educators, law,
deceased, nature, etc.
#5: Refrain From Violent Behavior
A trained fighter is a person with a fierce competitive spirit
and great strength so it is unfair to use it against an untrained
person. The karate-ka spirit is unbeatable and must use his
knowledge only for the sake of justice. A person of character
can walk away from a fight because he is in control of his emotions
and is at peace with himself. He does not have to test his abilities
on the street. He wins without fighting and he will have no
regrets because no one will be injured. Refraining from violent
behavior is hard to explain to many Westerners because of their
environment, or the attitude of winning tournaments and they
want to do it as quickly as possible which is against the principles
of karate-do and dojo kun. It is therefore necessary for instructors
to constantly remind the students of the importance of the dojo
kun.
fska