Shoto Nijyu Kun

Master Funakoshi articulated the Doju Kun and the Nijyu Kun as a set of precepts to guide Karate-ka in the dojo, as well as in life. The Dojo Kun is well known by all karate-ka, as it is recited during each class. The lesser known Nijyu Kun explores the concepts deeper, and includes guideance for the development of character, spirit and technical skill. It is central to the quest for perfection of character.

1. Karate begins with a bow and finishes with a bow
Karate-do wa rei ni hajimari rei ni owaru koto a wasaru na

2. In karate, never attack first
Karate ni sente nashi

3. One who practices karate must follow the way of justice
Karate wa, gi no taske

4. Know yourself first, then you can know others
Mazu onore o shire, shikashite ta o shire

5. Spirit and mind is more important than technique
Gijitsu yori shinjitsu

6. Be ready to release your mind
Kokoro wa hanatan koto o yosu

7. Misfortune comes out of idleness
Waza wai wa ketai ni seizu

8. Don’t think that what you learn from karate can’t be used outside the dojo
Dojo nomino karate to omou na

9. It will take you entire life to learn karate
Karate-do no shugyo wa isssho de aru

10. Put karate into your everyday living; that is how you will see its true beauty
Ara yuru mono o karateka seyo; sokoni myomi ari

11. Karate is just like hot water; if you do not give it continuous heat, it will become cold
Karate Wa Yu No Gotoku Taezu Netsu O Atae Zareba Motono Mizuni Kaeru

12. Do not think that you have to win; think, rather, that you do not have to lose
Katsu kangae wa motsuna; makenu kangae wa hitsuyo

13. Move according to your opponent
Tekki ni yotte tenka seyo

14. In conflict you must discern the vulnerable from invulnerable points
Tattakai wa kyo-jitsu no soju ikan ni ari

15. Consider you opponent’s legs and arms as you would lethal swords
Hi to no te-ashi wa ken to omoe

16. Be aware at all times that you have millions of potential opponents
Danshi mon o izureba hyakuman no teki ari

17. For full awareness in natural stance, you must practice ready position as a beginner
Kamae wa shoshinsha ni atowa shizentai

18. Practicing kata is one thing; engaging in a real fight is another
Kata wa tadashiku, jisen wa betsumono

19. Do not forget: (1) strength and weakness of power; (2) contraction and expansion of body; and (3) slowness and speed of techniques
Chikara no kyojaku tai no shinshuku waza no kankyu

20. Always create and devise
Tsune ni shinen ku fu seyo