Philosophy
Bushido
Bushido has been the samurai code of conduct in Japan for centuries. Based firmly on the teachings of Zen, Bushido was intended to help the samurai master their nature and understand their minds and the universe through direct experiences as well as through fostering strength, self-control and wisdom.
Bushido is based on seven essential principles:
1. seigi : The right decision and rectitude
2. yuki : Bravery and heroism
3. jin: Compassion and benevolence to all
4. reigi : Courtesy and right action
5. makoto: Truthfulness and utter sincerity
6. meiyo: Honor and glory
7. chugi: Devotion and loyalty
Martial spirit and courage were, of course, essential aspects of Bushido. But for the samurai, Bushido‘s highest goal was complete virtue in thought and action. Each samurai followed a carefully-designed regimen of polite ceremony and etiquette intended to promote such virtue. With its emphasis on prescribed form, Bushido helped the samurai harmonize mind with body, enabling them to maintain a certain calmness, or heijoshin (literally, "ordinary everyday mind"), even in the face of hardship. Sincerity, kindness, honesty, filial piety and honor all formed part of the core of Bushido. And they were the seed from which the karate tradition grew. These attributes, and the wisdom, understanding and peaceful strength they promote, are some of karate’s greatest benefits. They are also among Japan’s greatest gifts to the world.
Reference: Japan Karate Website - www.jka.or.jp
Five Dojo Kun
Senior instructors at the JKA developed the Five Dojo Kun, which everyone studying at the JKA commits to memory. With each practice session at the dojo, students kneel in the seiza position and repeat these five precepts out loud. This process reminds students of the right attitude, frame of mind and virtues to strive for both within the dojo, and outside.
Seek Perfection of Character!
Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
Be Faithful!
Makoto no michi o mamoru koto
Endeavor!
Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto
Respect Others!
Reigi o omonzuru koto
Refrain from Violent Behavior!
Kekki no yuu o imashimuru koto
Twenty Precepts of Karate Do (Niju Kun)
Before he established the JKA, Master Funakoshi Gichin laid out the Twenty Precepts of Karate, which form the foundations of the art. Within these twenty principles, based heavily on Bushido and Zen, lies the philosophy of the JKA.
1. Never forget: karate begins with rei and ends with rei (Rei means courtesy or respect, and is represented in karate by bowing)
2. There is no first attack in karate
3. Karate supports righteousness
4. First understand yourself, then understand others
5. The art of developing the mind is more important than the art of applying technique
6. The mind needs to be freed
7. Trouble is born of negligence
8. Do not think karate belongs only in the dojo
9. Karate training requires a lifetime
10. Transform everything into karate; therein lies its exquisiteness
11. Genuine karate is like hot water; it cools down if you do not keep on heating it
12. Do not think of winning; you must think of not losing
13. Transform yourself according to the opponent
14. The outcome of the fight depends on one’s control
15. Imagine one’s arms and legs as swords
16. Once you leave the shelter of home, there are a million enemies
17. Postures are for the beginner; later they are natural positions
18. Do the kata correctly; the real fight is a different matter
19. Do not forget control of the dynamics of power, the elasticity of the body and the speed of the technique
20. Always be good at the application of everything that you have learned.
Reference: Japan Karate Website - www.jka.or.jp