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道場訓

Dōjō Kun − The Precepts of the Shinjinbukan School

The Dōjō Kun is a philosophical statement, or a list of precepts given by the founder of a Martial Arts School or head of a major Karate lineage. The Shinjinbukan Dōjō Kun was written by Onaga Yoshimitsu Kaichō as a testimony of his life dedicated to learning, practicing and perfecting his martial art: Ti.

Read each line from left to right and top to bottom:

Japanese Pronunciation
Dōjō Kun
Kami no Michi
Hito no Michi
Bu no Michi
Michi wa kannen ni yorazu jisenseyo
Shinjinbukan
Kanchō, Onaga Yoshimitsu

English Translation
The School's Precepts
The Way of God
The Way of Man
The Way of Martial Arts
The Way must be practiced not idealized
Shinjinbukan
The Master, Onaga Yoshimitsu

The name Shin-Jin-Bu-Kan combines the meaning of four Chinese characters portraying a very powerful imagery:
Shin — Also pronounced Kami, means God.
Jin — Also pronounced Hito, means Humankind.
Bu — Means Martial Arts.
Kan — Means Building or Hall.

Onaga Sensei's Dōjō Kun was inspired on his Christian faith. His philosophy is a testimony and a challenge: Martial Arts as a Way of Life. It combines spirituality, humanity and Martial Arts into one life-long path to follow. However, this philosophy is taught as a spiritual path and not as religious belief.