Fundamental Principles of Karate

Karate is not only a system of combat but a path of life that is based on the fundamental philosophical concepts.
These are principles that are used when training, but also live by because it promotes respect, humility, and personal growth.
To be able to practice karate and understand it to the core, it is vital to comprehend some key points that should be learned.

 Dojo Kun: The Karate Code of Ethics

The Dojo Kun is basically a set of principles of conduct that are chanted at the end of each session in a karate dojo.
It acts as an ethical guide by the general principles that the practitioners should embrace within and out of the dojo.
There are minor differences in the wording of the principles in different styles but the content is the same.

1. Seek Perfection of Character (人格完成に努める Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru):  

   That is why karate is not only a system of physical education but a way towards the formation of a strong character.
It is the general aim of the practitioners to be ethical in their day to day conduct in all their dealings.

2. Be Faithful (誠の道を守る Makoto no michi o mamoru):  

   It is important to understand that the core of karate is loyalty and sincerity.
Honesty is recommended with both clients and others, as well as to be oneself in the process of practicing.

3. Endeavor to Excel (努力の精神を養う Doryoku no seishin o yashinau):  

   Karate aims at instilling the culture of working hard as a way of achieving one’s goals.
There are calls to work beyond the level of mediocrity and to aim for excellence.

4. Respect Others (礼儀を重んずる Reigi o omonzuru):  

   Respect is very important in karate since it is the guiding principle of the martial art.
Both in relation to training partners but also in relation to other people, respect is a very important thing in the practice.

5. Refrain from Violent Behavior (血気の勇を戒む Kekki no yū o imashimuru):  

   Karate is a martial art and does not encourage aggression and violence among people.
The practitioners are trained to use their skills appropriately and only in the process of defending themselves.
The Dojo Kun gives people the realization that karate is more than just developing the physical skills but also the virtue of a person.

 The Five Tenets of Karate

However, there is more to Karate than the Dojo Kun, as there are five principles which are embraced as the Five Principles of Karate or the Dojo Principles.
These principles are well known due to Gichin Funakoshi who was the founder of Shotokan karate and are the principles of the art of karate:

1. Courtesy (礼 Rei):  

   The bow is the most important thing in karate, and it represents respect and politeness.
It was seen that practitioners should be polite to their trainers, friends, and rivals in order to maintain a healthy training climate.

2. Integrity (義 Gi):  

   Integrity is the quality of being honest and having principles that guide one in how they should conduct themselves.
Therefore in karate, one is required to be an honorable person and practice the right things even if no one is likely to see the action.

3. Perseverance (忍耐 Nintai):  

   Karate is tough in terms of the physical and mental training that is involved when practicing martial arts.
Endurance informs the practitioners on the ability to endure and overcome the challenges and hardships that may be present in the process of achieving the set objectives.

4. SelfControl (自制 Jisei):  

   Selfcontrol is very vital in karate since it enables the practitioners to control their feelings and conduct.
In boxing or in everyday operations, selfcontrol makes certain that skills will be utilized Appropriately.

5. Indomitable Spirit (不撓不屈 Fudōshin):  

   Perseverance is the meaning of an indomitable spirit as it means strength of mind and body.
In karate, this is the ability to confront the challenges and overcome them without wavering regardless the look of the challenges.

These five tenets are not just guidelines for training but also principles for living a meaningful and purposeful life.