Dojo Hyogo (Dojo Motto)

The motto of Shorinjiryu karatedo is “doku ji gyo sei ki” (?????).

Generally, the translation utilised for the motto is Spiritual Development of Individuality in Mind and Body.

The Shorinjiryu motto was coined by Kaiso Kori Hisataka (1907-1988), founder of Shorinjiryu, and expresses his view that individuality is an important trait developed in a karateka, who must be able to express themself through their mind and body.

As an aside, Kaiso Hisataka painted the motto on a large wooden board using a rolled up karatedo-gi as the “brush”.  This artistic representation of the motto remains on proud display in the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo hombu dojo (HQ) in the Waseda area of Tokyo, Japan.

Dojo Kun (Dojo Principles)

The dojo kun (school principles) of Shorinjiryu Karatedo are as follows

• Maintain propriety, etiquette, dignity and grace
• Gain self-understanding by tasting the true meaning of combat
• Search for pure principles of being truth, justice and beauty
• Exercise a positive personality – confidence, courage and determination
• Always seek to develop the character further, aiming towards perfection and complete harmony with creation