Dojo Kun

[kyokushinglen]

Hi Folks and Happy New Year to you all.

I,m going to make up a starter pack for students at my new Dojo in Auchterarder (Scotland). I am going to put the Dojo kun in but would like to give a laymans interpretation alongside. Any suggestions?

OSU

[supergroup7]

Hello Kyokushinglen, I'm sorry that it took so long for me to respond, it's been a busy weekend. Also, I wanted to pull together my resources as much as possible to give you the best of what I can offer.

I haven't come across a layman's interpretation of the Dojo Kun, so I thought I'd offer a few of the thoughts that have come into my mind as I contemplate the lines. These thoughts are not everything that I believe, but are a small sample. One day, I hope to write an essay on how important the Dojo Kun is to a Martial Artists path.

"The Martial Arts way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore be properly and genuinely courteous at all times."

Bowing when one enters the dojo can be done with deep courtesy, or it can just be done as a physical movement similar to touching one's toes. One can say "How are you?" and just be giving a casual greeting, or one can say "How are you?" and truly be concerned for your health.

I believe that Courtesy, and Respect comes from within the depths of the heart/spirit, and infiltrates all of the person words, actions, and thoughts. It stems from a strong recognition that I myself am worthy, and good by my own existence, and therefore others deserve the same recognition. I do not have to agree with others choices, nor imitate their behaviour, to respect them as part of the world that is around me. We each have our own path to walk in life.

When I awake from the darkness of sleep, and my mind comes back to knowledge that I exist, I am grateful for that gift of having a spark of life in this universe. I am valuable because I am the only "me" that will ever exist at this time, and space. This is where Courtesy grows from. The more that I can see myself as valuable, the more I can appreciate the goodness of others.

The sad thing is that our interior environment may not support this positive kind of self love. We may have been victimized in our past by others who had disfunctional ways of showing attention, and respect. ( I can speak of my own childhood here, but usually that brings tears to the eyes of the listener.) It is possible to heal from the damage placed upon us, but it is a hard, and long journey which takes much courage, and a willingness to accept truth over our perceived fears, and imaginations.

"Following the Martial Arts way is like scaling a cliff ~ continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering devotion to the task at hand."

We are encouraged to keep a constant effort in our training always seeking to improve. Sometimes we will be tempted to sit back on our achievements and feel like "we've made it", but this will lead to losing that which we worked so hard to build up. The Martial Way demands a constant alertness, and effort. Sensei Gichin Funkakoshi equates it to be like boiling water. If the fire goes out, the water becomes cool.

It would be difficult to continue walking on one's Martial arts path when faced with challenges, and responsibilities of life. This is important when looking at relationships of family: husband, children, parents, etc. that we find balance with our personal walk on the Martial way. Our home is our foundation in which we invest, and from which we venture forth.

I know that I've read the life stories of some of the Masters in Karate, and there were times when they had to put their training on hold to meet the demands around them. For example, after World War II, Sensei Gichin Funakoshi did not teach karate, but instead he struggled to survive by trying to find seaweed to eat along the shore, and take care of his ailing wife. I always get tears in my eyes when I read his description of this time. The Dojo that was built by the effort of his students was bombed to rubble. He lost his son to tuberculosis, and he himself was barely able to eat.

In my opinion, Sensei Funakoshi never left the Martial Way, he just needed to apply it to the task at hand. He took care of his wife until she died. Once that sad moment went past, and it was possible for Sensei Funakoshi to teach karate again, he continued teaching, and helping the next generation to learn Martial arts.


"Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or thoughtlessness."

I think that Sosai is encouraging people to live a life of balance wherein they temper personal initiative with respecting others. I remember reading how courtesy was extremely important to Sosai... and the first motto of this series brings us to remember that "Karate begins and ends with courtesy." It is always good to strive to be a better karate ka, and to improve in our skills, but the same action can go against our spirit, and can even hurt others if we have negative, prideful, and selfish motives. I think that this motto ties in well with the later one of "Introspection begets wisdom. See contemplation of your actions as opportunities to improve."


This is all that I can offer for now.. I'm sorry. I will return to look at the other lines in the near future.

[kakatootoshi]

Dear kyokushinglen,
Are your students mostly children or adults?

OSU!

[kyokushinglen]

Thankyou very much for taking the time to write such an informative reply. It will be most useful.

OSU

[kyokushinglen]

I am starting a new Dojo on 14th January. I hope to have a mixture of students, but the interpretation of the Dojo Kun will be aimed at the Seniors.

OSU

[kakatootoshi]

Dear supergroup 7,
Sorry but I just find out that what you are referring to is "Sosai's Eleven Mottoes" but not "Dojo Kun".

OSU!

[kyokushinglen]

I was referring to the Dojo Kun that is said at the end of the training session.

We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm unshaking spirit etc etc. A Shihan I was training under broke every section down and told us exactly what was meant; it was really beneficial. Wish i,d had a tape recorder!

Osu

[supergroup7]

"Sorry but I just find out that what you are referring to is "Sosai's Eleven Mottoes" but not "Dojo Kun"."

OSU Kakatootoshi.. My goodness.. It's not like I didn't know the difference either. Ha ha ha! It's a good thing that I stopped writing things out on the third one!!!

I haven't really pulled together a meditation for myself on the Dojo Kun yet. I know that I have equated each line to a specific virtue. First line speaks "perseverence" to me, second line speaks "honesty/alertness", third line speaks " self denial/ simplicity", fourth line speaks "love/ courtesy", fifth line speaks "faithfulness/humility", six line speaks "hope", and the last line speaks "truth".

I believe that I should write all of these things out for myself. Now isn't a good time, I haven't had a good night's sleep for 3 days due to my children suffering from a bad cough.

[supergroup7]

O.K... Today I wrote a meditation on the first line of the Dojo Kun in my weblog, I have cut and pasted it here so that you can read it. Feel free to add, subtract, or even suggest improvements on it.

Meditation on the Kyokushin Dojo Kun
"Hitotsu, wareware wa, shinshin o renmashi, kakko fubatsu no shingi o kiwameru koto."
"We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm unshaken spirit."

The first thing I noticed about this sentence is the three aspects mentioned. As a person who studied psychology I learned about the id, the ego, and the superego theory which are the three levels of a person's mind. As a religious person, I noticed three aspects of a person being addressed, the mind, the body, and the spirit. Now, as a Martial artist, I see within this statement of the Dojo Kun three different parts: our hearts, our bodies, and our spirit. Although separated into three parts in theory, we are aware that these are totally integrated.

The more that I learn about Eastern Philosophy, about chakras (central energy points), and about Chi/Ki (energy) movement, the more I can understand where this statement is originating, and what it's goals are. It is taught that the center of our "spirit" is the Hara: a point located a few inches behind our center of gravity near the navel. Our heart is by the Anahata chakra point, and is involved in all emotional decisions or considerations. The goal, in Eastern philosophy, is to activate all 7 of the chakra points in the body for good health, and to be able to make good decisions. In an ideal situation, all of the 7 energy centers should be spinning at the same rate, but in most people, some points spin too much, and others are blocked, or spin slowly.

According to this, we have to train our heart, and body equally to balance our physical ability, with our mental/ emotional reaction in order to achieve a strong spirit. Our whole selves has to be involved in our karate training. Just performing the movements of a kata would be similar to performing a dance. It would be like "Put your right foot here, put your left arm here.." and no matter how well one did it, they would have no "spirit" in those movements. Training on emotion alone would not be karate either. Without technique, physical effort, a person would just be wildly swinging their arms with lots of energy, but with no effect.

Showing "spirit" comes when the body, and mind are united to the same purpose. All energy is focused into each action. This is referred to as "Kime". Usually it is accompanied with a Kiai ( a spirit shout) as breath is very closely united with the flow of energy in our bodies.

I can see how to have a unity of the body, heart, and spirit one has to train in every aspect of their lives. You cannot just train in the dojo anymore. There has to be a perseverence in your training. You have to carry what you have learned in class out with you, and keep up practicing each day. Just like a musician cannot improve in their performance by just showing up to class once, or twice a week, and they are expected to do at least a certain amount of practicing at home to ingrain the skills, the same should be true for a Martial Artist. This is even MORE true, as a Martial artist is training all of the parts of their body. The foot is just as important as the hand. The thought is just as important as the body.

In fact, our inner thoughts can make or break our ability to defend ourselves. Many fights have been won just by unbalancing the opponent mentally to the point where they could not apply their hard earned skills to defend themselves. We must develop a firm unshaken inner posture in the face of hardship, fear, threat, and challenges. Where does our inner strength come from? I would suggest that they come from our values, and our confidence in these values. We value our life, or the life of our children so we will do what it takes to protect these. We value our honesty, so we make efforts to be truthful. We value our courage, so we will put forth the best that we have in a challenge. The more that we value the good things in ourselves, and in the teachings that we have embraced, the stronger we can be in the face of adversity. Our karate training shows this in every class that we put forth our best effort to meet the challenges placed before us, and to even surpass what we believed to be our limitations. I read a quote that said "If you think you can't, then you won't." The words "I can't" should not be in the vocabulary of a Martial artist. The focus is more on " I will", whether you achieve the goal or not isn't the issue.. the main idea is that you will do your best to achieve it.

Nothing should shake you from your values, no one has the right to try to remove them from you. If there is one thing that you can claim as being your own, and as being untouchable, it is your values. Regardless to what esteemed societal position, or high rank in karate that other person has, he/she has no right to expect you to sacrifice what you believe in. If you chose to embrace the values of another person because you deem them worthy that is a different thing, but no outside pressure should force a person to "change their mind". This is one of the benefits of training our hearts, and bodies for a firm, unshaken spirit.

[supergroup7]

Second line: Kyokushin Dojo Kun
Hitotsu, wareware wa, bu no shinzui o kiwame, ki ni hasshi, kan ni bin naru koto.
"We will pursue the true meaning of the martial way so that, in time, our senses may be alert."

I'd like to quote the Characters Miyagi Sensei, and Daniel-san from the movie Karate Kid to express what I feel is focused on in this line of the Dojo Kun.

"Daniel: So, karate's fighting. You train to fight.
Miyagi: That what you think?
Daniel: [pondering] No.
Miyagi: Then why train?
Daniel: [thinks] So I won't have to fight.
Miyagi: [laughs] Miyagi have hope for you. "

We have to look at what it means to pursue the "Martial Way" to understand the concept contained in this sentence. In eastern culture, there is something called the "Do", or the "Way" of living. How one speaks, how one draws, how one does their tea ceremony, how one dances, how one lives.. it is all part of your "Way". Budo is "the Way of the Warrior, or the Martial Way", Aikido is "Way of Harmony", Tae Kwon Do "Way of the fist, and foot", Karate Do is the "Empty hand Way". Following a "Way" is to walk a path of choices, actions, values, and expressions.

So? What is the "Martial Way"? Westerners tend to focus only on the thought that the word "Martial" means "warlike, concerning war, and fighting". Who could blame us? Most of our movies, and t.v. entertainment reveal Martial arts with a "Kick their butt" philosophy. We see the underdog hero enter into a difficult situation, and through his acquired skills, he achieves victory over the "bad guys". We thrill over the speed, skill, and power plastered on the big screen. Children walk into the dojo wanting to be able to do fancy flying kicks that will assure them success over any threat. Black belts are looked upon as frightening images of someone that you wouldn't want to anger. It is the rare movie, or t.v. show, like "The Karate Kid", or "Kung Fu: the original series" that shows us what the Martial Way is in the eyes of the country of origin.

If we look at the Japanese Kanji that make up this word we see that the first symbol is a set of crossed weapons, and the second one represents the word "Stop". The word "Bu" is not really about fighting, but learning how to avoid, prevent, or to stop fighting. The Martial Way, "Budo", is to follow a path where we avoid having to fight by developing our awareness of ourselves, our environment, and our opponents.

"It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle." Sun Tsu "The Art of War" 6th Century.

We pursue the Martial Path by working on ourselves. We learn what our strengths are, and what our weaknesses are, and we build them both up to improve ourselves. We learn to temper our emotions, and not let fear, or anger goad us into putting ourselves into a fight. We learn to look at our surroundings, and find an alternative to fighting. We learn to take advantage of every moment that is offered to lower the intensity of a situation. We put forth a confident body language which will make an attacker think twice before chosing us as a target. We use our words to de-escalate a situation, if possible. We avoid environments that we know are dangerous. If we can know ourselves well, and become aware of what signals our body gives us, we can learn to avoid danger. Some people ignore that sixth sense within them that quietly warns us that we should be careful. We need to learn to listen to the wisdom within us, and avoid dangerous places, and people.

So in other words, we train so that we won't have to fight.

[supergroup7]

Kyokushin Dojo Kun: Third line
"Hitotsu, wareware wa, shitsujitsu goken o motte, kokki no seishin o kanyo suru koto."
"With true vigour, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial."



Meet Arisada, the self mummified Japanese Buddhist priest. He died in an ultimate act of self-denial. Through years of extreme physical training to remove any fat from his body, a special diet of bark, and roots from pine trees, and then drinking a special poisonous tea which induced vomiting, sweating, and urination, the priest prepared his body to be buried alive in a small stone tomb, with just a tube that provided air, and a rope that allowed him to ring a bell that was suspended outside of the tomb. This kind of suicide by choice has been outlawed near the end of the 19th century, but there are 16 known shrines of such mummified priests. This history is part of the Japanese culture, and stories. In fact, North american children, and teens can became aware of this historical fact before adults from some of the anime cartoons that they watch coming from Japan such as "Inuyasha".

This kind of extreme self denial was done in a way of becoming a permanent symbol of being able to disregard one's physical self as important ( Live or die ) to other buddhist priests. Arisada's example is to strengthen the hearts of those who think that they just possibly "can't" do things. He is an embodiment of what the human will is capable of.

Training in karate is very demanding when following the Martial Way. It can be tempting to just stay home today, or to find an excuse for why one can miss class again, or to avoid doing one's best during class. The Dojo Kun tells us to deny ourselves of these complexities, and to return to the simplicity of when we first started training. We had no expectations then, only a desire to learn something new. We were willing to give it our best shot, and accept that we would have to overcome limitations.

Training in karate means "emptying your cup". It can be that we feel that we know this already, or that we've done Chudan tsuki over 100,000 times already. Yet, we need to deny ourselves this option of dismissing the chance to learn from our efforts. There is always room for improvement no matter how well we think we know the various demands of our Art. We have to return to the simplicity of a beginner's mind, and yet rely on our prior experience to guide us up into even more effective use of each movement.

As we age, and our bodies become older, we have to learn to work within the challenges that this presents. We have to deny ourselves the temptation to stop our efforts due to our pride. Our memories of prior youthful abilities may taunt us, but we need to simplify our desires, and realize that we are becoming like the mummified priest to the younger generation. They look upon us, where we are now still training in spite of all of our challenges, and they learn to appreciate, and hope to imitate us in the future.

[supergroup7]

Kyokushin Dojo Kun: Fourth line
Hitotsu, wareware wa, reisetsu o omonji, chojo o keishi, sobo no furumai o tsutsushimu koto.
"We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors, and refrain from violence."

The above English translation of the Japanese alerted me that I needed to try to understand what each word was saying. "Reisetsu" refers to politeness, decorum, propriety.. or in other words being courteous. "Omonji" means to honor, esteem, and respect. This points to me that COURTESY goes beyond just observing the various rules in the Dojo such as responding to a command with "Osu", placing our shoes neatly against the wall, not swearing, or eating in the dojo, showing respect to our Sensei/Sempai etc.. It embraces these specific rules, and includes being respectful in daily life towards all things, and all people. The Japanese language, and culture contains many symbols of respect. One speaks differently to someone who is of higher stature than the other, using the addition of the word "Gosaimasu" to show respect. Bowing at the right time, in the right way, and with the correct posture is very important in showing respect. There are rules for eating, and drinking that reveal if you are a polite person, or not. You do not fill your own glass, but wait for someone to fill it for you. You receive a gift using both hands. These little daily signs, and signals are important to make people feel comfortable in your presence, and to have them see you as polite rather than rude. Kyokushin-kai are to make public decorum important to them not only in the dojo, but outside of it.

The fact that the first three words of this line already refers to showing respect to our teachers, I had to look more closely at the next three lines: "Chojo" gives the indication of someone or something superior/divine, "Kieshi" refers to consulting, asking for instructions, and seeking approval. What is a "Sensei" in the eyes of the Japanese?

"The term "sensei" is an honorific accorded to teachers, with a meaning transcending that of professor. It has been suggested that if a Japanese prime minister were to meet a former teacher, it is the former student who would bow low as a matter of acknowledging his proper place. The prime minister might later tell someone about having met his onshi, a word translated in the dictionary as "former teacher" that also connotes a person to whom one owes a debt that can never be fully repaid. Sensei, then, is not only a person of wisdom but also a major actor in the intricate web of obligations, group memberships, and dependencies that define Japanese social life and culture." Quote from The Professor and the Sensei: Faculty Roles in the United States and Japan by Robert Birnbaum

In other words, we are being called to refer to our instructors for direction in our path. We consult them, and rely on their guidance as we walk in our Martial Way. We turn to them as the primary source of the knowledge, and skills that we are hoping to attain. Through our training, we might be able to find out new things from other teachers, but we make an effort to stay faithful to the expectations, and philosophy of our chosen teacher. We owe them a debt of gratitude for all of the time, energy, and instruction that they have invested into our learning.

The last concept in this line is to "refrain from violent behaviour". At first, it seems that this is a separate idea from the first two. However, I'd like to offer that thought that a student's behaviour reflects on their Sensei. If a student is rude, impolite, ungrateful, and violent to others during class, or outside of training, he/she casts a bad shadow on the dojo. Daily decorum, patience, and politeness in word, and in deed, builds up the relationship, and honor given to one's Sensei.

So.. where do we get the motivation to live up to the difficult expectations of politeness, and courtesy? I would suggest that this is centered on the aspect of "love". I am talking about the kind of affection wherein we value ourselves, and those people around us so much that rudeness would not be a possibility. Sensei Gichin Funakoshi said "Love of Karate, love of self, love of family and friends; all lead eventually to love of one's country. The true meaning of Karate can be acquired only through such love." Karate Do: My Way of life

[guty]

supergroup7 i can not stop for feeling a deep respect for your knowledge,strength and in general it appears to me that you are a extremely remarkable person,mother of 7,root profound philosopher,and a teacher for all of us,i always enjoy to read your threads, this ones on the dojo kun are just amazingly perfect,huge respect hope to read more of your knowledge,OSU!!!

[supergroup7]

Thank you for your kind words, guty. I appreciate them. If there is goodness in what you are reading the people to thank are my Sensei. I have been blest with awesome wise teachers who have guided my learning. Without their example, their words, their guidance, their praise, and their chastisements I would not have developed into what I am today.

You might not like my next posting as much as the last ones because I'm talking about Religious principles. I have found that Religion is a very sensitive topic. It brings out both the best, and the worst in people. In fact, I might have to hurry up and finish the last two lines of the Dojo Kun before the thread explodes into a variety of comments on the religious aspect.

[supergroup7]

Kyokushin Dojo Kun: Fifth line (Warning: contains religious topic)

Hitotsu, wareware wa, shinbutsu o totobi, kenjo no bitoku o wasurezaru koto.
"We will follow our religious principles and never forget the true virtue of humility."

Throughout these meditations on the Dojo Kun, I have been attempting to look at them, as best as an outsider of Japanese custom, and culture can do, from their original perspective. In a way, I have been trying to peer through Sosai Masutatsu Oyama's eyes and see what he might have intended these Dojo Kun to represent to the present, and future students.

I would like to offer that when he wrote down "We will follow our religious principles" that he was speaking specifically about the 8 fold path known to the Buddhist, and Shinto followers of Japan. Other Religions can find it possible to follow their own principles, there is nothing wrong with this. The opening is there for anyone, of any religion, to chose to train in Karate without being uncomfortable.

For this moment, let's look at the option that Sosai Oyama was speaking directly about CERTAIN principles. The Eightfold path consists of

* Wisdom

1. Right view
2. Right intention

* Ethical conduct

3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood

* Mental discipline

6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration

Sosai Oyama states ""In many countries around the world, the question, 'What is Zen' often turns up. Usually we answer that Zen is karate and that karate is Zen." Quote taken from "This is Karate." For him, his ideals, and his religious beliefs were integrated with his physical expression, and martial arts philosophy. He could not separate the two.

Seeking to develop, and live what we believe to be "right", there are tendencies when we look upon others as being "wrong". This is where we cannot forget the true virtue of humility. In humility, we can embrace our path, and goodness with confidence, and dedication, and be willing to share what we have with others if they are interested. We also have to respect that others may not see what we are seeing, and that they may chose a different path. In humility, we have to admit that we are not perfect, and that we also have limitations, and mistakes, and that we are working on ourselves to the best of our abilities. The virtue of humility relies on honesty, and truth.

As Sosai Oyama explains "Concentrate on sincerity and on unifying your spirit. Forget yourself, forget your enemies, forget winning and losing, and when you have done so, you will be in the spiritually unified state that is called mu, or nothingness, in Zen."

I am not a Buddhist, but I can value the goodness in Buddhism without sacrificing my own beliefs. This is to go beyond "right" and "wrong", "winning" or "losing", it is to come to a center position where I am secure, and willing to look calmly at all possibilities around me.

[supergroup7]

Kyokushin Dojo Kun: Sixth line

Hitotsu, wareware wa, chisei to tairyoku to o kojo sase, koto ni nozonde ayamatazaru koto.
"We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires."

The Japanese culture venerates age, and the elderly. They have a special holiday KEIRO NO HI where they show respect, and affection to their senior citizens, and offer them gifts. Age equals rank, and status in Japan because experience is something that cannot be bought, it can only be earned.

Wisdom is something that cannot be spoken, and is visible in age. Simplicity, longevity, and silence are the gateways towards finding wisdom. The best way to get a glimpse of how much age, and beauty are held in high esteem is to sit in a Japanese Garden, and soak in the messages contained in the quiet moments there.

Our goal is not just to become older, but to do so with style. We look upwards to becoming a wiser, and spiritually stronger so that we can be a wonderful elder person with much experience, and knowledge to share with the young.