| The Isshinryu Code of Conduct (Dojo Kun) |
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.
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.
| Jake Eckenrode,1960 (Revised 2008) 1st Generation student of Tatsuo Shimabuku Isshinryu Agena, Okinawa Dojo 1959 - 1960 |
