Isshinryu Code of Conduct

The purpose of learning Isshinryu Karate as taught by Tatsuo Shimabuku, 10-Dan Master and originator of this art form, is to make a personal commitment to mental discipline and physical conditioning.

It is of paramount importance to develop and nurture the virtues of courtesy, respect and humility to the extent they become dominant characteristics of one's daily life. Physical training is designed to gain a mastery of body movements while learning offensive and defensive fighting techniques that strengthen both mind and body. One can become a very confident individual through intense training in Karate.

As a member of an Isshinryu Karate dojo, I accept the following Code of Conduct and declare that my intentions will be:

1. To strive to gain the understanding that a humble and self-confident person cannot be offended.
2. To know one must not sacrifice the development of mental virtues to goals of physical achievement.
3. To be courteous, friendly and helpful at all times.
4. To display respect to the Art of Karate and to fellow Ka's and to know that respect flows in both directions among those of all ranks within the dojo.
5. To accept that higher rank means one must be a better servant because service to others is a primary attribute of leadership.
6. To be content and submissive never resorting to physical violence carried to the ultimate point except in training.
7. To understand that the focus of physical training is the perfection of techniques as expressed in kata and kumite.

A Karate-ka must be a gentle person in every way and a friend to all. One who learns Karate should always be sound in mind and keep a mild attitude, and while training, one must instill these ideals in the heart and make them a part of one's daily life.

This Code of Conduct or Dojo Kun was created by Sensei Jake Eckenrode, 1st generation student of Isshinryu's founder Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei 1959 - 1960. It was written by him in 1960 while serving as a young U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa. Sensei "Jakey" revised it in 2008 and gave the Okinawa Budo Kai permission to use his Dojo Kun as a guide to martial arts conduct.