The Five Dojo Kun
The Dojo Kun is a set of rules with which the students need to adhere and they are said at the end of the karate session. These guidelines or principles are usually contained in five statements which are ethical benchmarks in practice. Although the literal meaning of Dojo Kun may be in certain way different depending on the style and the particular school, the essence is the same. They typically include:
- Seek perfection of character.
- Be faithful.
- Endeavor.
- Respect others.
- Refrain from violent behavior.
These principles motivates every karateka to work hard with the aim of producing a result, loyalty, hard working, acknowledging other’s talents, and proper usage of energy hence power.
Application in Daily Life
The Dojo Kun also speak of the principles guiding behavior within the dojo and outside the premises of the dojo. Applying these principles makes the karateka be of good moral standards and this makes them be ethical.
For instance, character perfection entails constant self-enhancement and self-analysis as part of the pursuit. This might express itself in the form of being loyal to the truth, non-violent with the self and others, and avoiding pride. Loyalty is the essence of being faithful as it applies to relationship with friends, at the workplace or the practice of Karate.
Endeavoring means that there is much effort put in something. Karate also underlines the importance of practice and commitment and it is applicable to all aspects of life. First, when people respect others they create a positive environment where others are easily understood and welcomed.
Types and Styles of Karate
Major Karate Styles
Shotokan
Shotokan is one of the most popular forms of karate today and was founded by Gichin Funakoshi in the early part of the 1900’s. It focuses on linear combinations, strong static moments and fundamental positions. In the Shotokan style principles of kihon, kata, and kumite are typical, and the training is very intense. According to Shotokan traditionalists, performance is enhanced by speed, power and precision that is achieved by the constant practice and hard training. Its kata are characterized by fast, but powerful motions and the most famous forms are Heian and Tekki.
Goju-Ryu
Goju-Ryu is also called the hard-soft school and was developed by Chojun Miyagi. The style focuses on how to hit your opponent with great force and how to assume a strong posture along with circular movements and subtle blocking. Goju-Ryu also lays a lot of stress in the breathing exercises like Sanchin kata which is used to build up the power internal strength. Due to flexible application, Goju-Ryu is one of the most effective martial arts where hardness and softness complement each other.
Shito-Ryu
Shito-Ryu which was developed by K. Mabuni is a circular style, which includes the principles of Shuri-te and Naha-te, two major styles of Okinawan karate. Shito-Ryu is noted for having a great number of kata within its syllabary, in fact more than ninety kata forms are found in this style. These Kata are diverse in nature and that shows the influence of Chinese origin in martial arts as well. A special focus is made on linear and circular patterns so that the skills of Shito-Ryu practitioners are not too one-sided. It also entails emphasis on bunkai, practical use of kata moves in eventual combat situations.
Wado-Ryu
Wado-Ryu, interpreted as “the way of harmony,” was developed by Hironori Otsuka and combines Japanese jujutsu and karate. Major features of Wado-Ryu are the concepts of avoiding an attack, turning it aside, and using the most effective structure of the body in moving and striking. Its techniques do not force the practitioner to stay in any specific position for long and uses a lot of flowing movements that enable one dodge any attack being launched while at the same time delivering precise blows. Wado-Ryu also includes nage-waza (the throwing techniques) and kansetsu-waza (the joint locks) so Wado-Ryu is useful and complete martial art.
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