Dojo Kun (School Principles)
The principles of Shorinjiryu Kenyukai Watanabe Ha Karate are the basic tenets of behaviour that Hanshi Watanabe and all instructors expect out of all practitioners of the style.
- Reigi – Manners
- Sonkei – Respect
- Sekinin – Responsibility
- Doryoku – Effort
- Kansha – Appreciation
Motto
The motto of Shorinjiryu Karate, as founded by Shinan Kori Hisataka (1907-1988) is:
Spiritual Development of Individuality in Mind and Body
This motto (doku ji gyo sei ki in Japanese) affirms that each person training in the style of Shorinjiryu Karate brings their own strengths and contributions to the dojo, and has their own personal set of challenges to overcome in order to succeed. These strengths and challenges can be mental, physical or psychological/spiritual, and thus the motto reminds us to strive for perfection in all ways.
This motto means that with the instructors guidance, the practice of karate can be personalised to some extent. Although the base should be consistent, each practitioner will emphasise their own strengths and account for their challenges. This motto is not a license for individuals to change forms or methods at their own discretion.
The word “spiritual” is used in a generic sense, meaning the individual’s psyche and the spirit they put into the challenges they face – in the dojo and in life. It is not meant in a religious sense, and there are no religious aspects to training in Shorinjiryu karate. People of all backgrounds are welcome to train in our dojos.