04. Kyokushin Dojo Kun (Training Hall Oath)
The
Kyokushin Dojo Kun (Training Hall Oath) was written by Mas Oyama with the help
of Eiji Yoshikawa, the author of the novel Musashi, which was based on the life
and exploits of Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's most famous Samurai warrior.
The Dojo Kun
is usually recited at the end of each training session, when the students and
instructors are lined up by rank in seiza (formal kneeling). Each line of the
Dojo Kun is recited by the most senior student and repeated by the entire class
together. Some dojos choose not to recite the Dojo Kun for various reasons.
We will pursue the true meaning of the
Martial Way, So that in time our senses may be alert.
With true vigor,
We will seek to cultivate a spirit of self denial.
We will observe the
rules of courtesy,
Respect
our superiors, and refrain from violence.
We
will follow our principles,
And never forget the true virtue of humility.
We will look upwards to
wisdom and strength,
Not seeking other desires.
All
our lives, through the discipline
of
Karate,
We will seek to
fulfill the
true meaning of the Kyokushin Way.
For the fifth line of the Dojo Kun, which reads, 'We will follow our principles', most Dojos recite the line as 'we will
follow our religious principles'. However, in keeping with the ethos that religion and politics have no place in the Dojo,
this
line has been
ammended here.