THE PROMISE

The DOJO-KUN embodies all we trying to achieve through the physical efforts of Karate training, and is one of the many things that makes Karate-Do much more than just a sport and/or an exercise system.

The Karate Oath or Promise is what separates the martial artist from the street thug or "scrapper".

The paradox of the martial arts is that you learn in the sincere hope that you never have to use your skills!

Dojo Kun


The Dojo-Kun is the oath of the karate-ka. Even today, it is recited at the end of each lesson.

HITOTSU JIKAKU KANSEI NI TSUTOMURU KOTO
(One! To Strive For The Perfection Of Character)

HITOTSU MAKOTO NO MICHI O MAMORU KOTO
(One! To Defend The Path Of Truth)

HITOTSU DORYOKU NO SEISHIN O YASHINAU KOTO
(One! To Foster The Spirit Of Effort)

HITOTSU REIGI O OMONZURU KOTO
(One! To Honour The Principles Of Etiquette)

HITOTSU KEKKI NO IMASHIMURU KOTO
(One! To Guard Against Impetuous Courage)

dojokun



The Oath should always be chanted with strength, never mumbled in insincerity. Just as Karate movements should become automatic and reflex, the simple truths of the Oath should also become part of the belief system of the Karate practitioner.

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. The word Koto which ends each rule means "thing" and is used as a conjunction between rules.