The Dojo Kun is recited at the beginning and conclusion of every karate training session. Allowing the students to reflect upon the guiding principles of Karate-do.
Dojo Kun in Japanese:
HITOTSU! JINKAKU KANSEI NI TSUTOMURU KOTO!
HITOTSU! MAKOTO NO MICHI O MAMORU KOTO!
HITOTSU! DORYOKU NO SEICHIN O YASHINAU KOTO!
HITOTSU! REIGI O OMONZURU KOTO!
HITOTSU! KEKKI NO YU O IMASHIMURU KOTO!
English translation:
TO SEEK PERFECTION OF CHARACTER!
TO DEFEND THE PATHS OF TRUTH
TO FOSTER THE SPIRIT OF EFFORT
TO HONOR THE PRINCIPLES OF ETIQUETTE
TO GUARD AGAINST IMPETUOUS COURAGE
TO REFRAIN FROM VIOLENT BEHAVIOR!
EACH MAKIWARA IS HAND CRAFTED FROM THE RAW MATERIALS TO THE FINAL PRODUCT BY THE MAKIWARA GUY ARTIST.
Makiwara Guy, makiwara artist has trained in Shotokan Karate for over 35 years and first used a makiwara at Stan Schmidt's School of Karate in Johannesburg South Africa where Makwiara Guy started training in karate. Eventually Makwiara Guy was invited and a part of the early bird instructor training. Many years of training, study and passion for makiwara have produced makiwara's that Makiwara Guy produces in the Makiwara Shop. in Bradenton, Florida USA. Makiwara Guy has been a part of Rick Hotton Sensei's karate school in Sarasota, Florida since the mid 1980's and travels around the world with Rick Hotton Sensei teaching and encouraging.