| Many martial arts schools around the world promote | | | | involvement in the martial arts from the very |
| a philosophy of self-improvement as well as an | | | | beginning. |
| expected standard of technical skill. When you think | | | | The Dojo-Kun's precepts can offer a very simple |
| about it, it is the philosophy rather than the technical | | | | template for following a virtuous path and for |
| skill that should influence every practitioner's daily life. | | | | reaching your potential in everything you do and for |
| The martial arts philosophy, or at least the traditional | | | | being a good citizen. It's up to you to decide how |
| karate philosophy, is called the Dojo-Kun. The | | | | this philosophy fits in with your own ideals and ethics. |
| Dojo-Kun is simply a five point ethical guide for | | | | Most people find these five core ethics to be |
| training in the martial arts and for behavior in your | | | | something that they can relate to on an intimate |
| everyday life and is sometimes called the "Student | | | | basis; some people don't place much value on the |
| Creed" in English. The traditional karate ethics are | | | | philosophy of the martial arts and are in your karate |
| often translated as: | | | | class alongside you for very different reasons such |
| · To strive for the perfection of character | | | | as self-defense or basic health and fitness. |
| · To follow the paths of truth | | | | The phrase "each unto his own" is definitely applicable |
| · To foster a spirit of effort | | | | here. As with so many things in life, we have to find |
| · To honor the principles of etiquette | | | | our own way given our own set of criteria and |
| · To guard against impetuous courage | | | | backgrounds. |
| In many traditional karate schools these precepts are | | | | Essentially there are many other paths to |
| chanted at the beginning and end of each lesson in | | | | self-realization and understanding of the greater world |
| Japanese, and in other schools in English. In some | | | | around you. The martial arts simply offer a valuable |
| schools there is no chanting at all, just a posting of | | | | template for beginning to understand yourself and |
| the principles on the dojo wall and other schools | | | | others through understanding movement, power, |
| invent their own "Student Creed." | | | | speed, timing, energy, tension, relaxation and |
| I'm not here to tell you which way is right or wrong, | | | | harmony. It is a beginning in what can be a long and |
| but what you should do when choosing a martial arts | | | | extremely rewarding journey. |
| school is ask yourself whether the core values of | | | | If you need more help with this or any other karate |
| that school resonate with your view of life and your | | | | subject, please be sure to download my FREE |
| moral ethics. After all you are exposing yourself and | | | | Report "Beginners Guide to Karate". You will find out |
| your family to a very emotive venture by beginning | | | | how to download it at |
| your karate journey. A conflict of moral values is | | | | Good luck and best wishes on your journey in karate. |
| likely to "Dim Mak" (deliver a Death Touch to) your | | | | |