Shito-Ryu Dojo Kun
The Dojo Kun has been passed down from master to master for many years laying down the rules of the dojo and to give guidance to karate ka not only inside the dojo but also in their everyday lives, but beware there are many variations and translations of the Dojo Kun.
Japanese
Hitotsu- Jinkaku kansei ni tsuto meru koto
Hitotsu- Makoto no michi o mamoru koto
Hitotsu- Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto
Hitotsu- Rei gi o omonzuru koto
Hitotsu- Kekki no yu o imashimuru koto
Each rules starts with the same word ‘Hitotsu’ this can be translated as ‘one’ or more commonly seen as ‘first’ believed to mean that all rules are of equal importance. Below is the most common English translation of the dojo kun keeping as close to the original as possible, below that is a very terse translation of the dojo kun used by some karate ka.
English Translation
Each person must strive for the perfection of one’s character
Each person must be faithful and protect the way of truth
Each person must endeavour (fostering the spirit of effort)
Each person must respect others and the rules of etiquette
Each person must refrain from violent behaviour
Terse English Translation
One- Seek perfection of character.
One- Be faithful.
One- Endeavour to excel.
One- Respect others.
One- Refrain from violent behaviour.