Musings on Japanese and Ryukyu Budo
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Musings on Japanese and Ryukyu Budo
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International & Global Education
![]() I often get questions about the formal opening and closing of budo training. From my experience, there are no set formalities, but generally, the koryu tend to be more strict in terms of opening and closing ceremonies. In more modern shin-budo (新武道) like karate (空手) and judo (柔道), I have seen everything from no opening ceremony to a fairly strict one. Below, I outline the overall main formats that we use at my dojo. The Dōjō Kun and Shūgyō no Kokoroe in Traditional Karate Practice. In traditional karate dojos, the Dōjō Kun (道場訓) and Shūgyō no Kokoroe (修行の心得) play pivotal roles in guiding practitioners not only in their physical training but also in their moral and ethical development. These elements are integral to maintaining the discipline and philosophical underpinnings of karate, ensuring that it is more than just a physical endeavour but a comprehensive practice of self-improvement and ethical living. This framework operates within the broader context of **Kaisai no Genri (開塞の原理)**, or "the principles of opening and closing," which underscores the importance of beginning and ending each session with a clear purpose. Kaisai no Genri (開塞の原理). Kaisai no Genri, or "the principles of opening and closing," provides the contextual framework within which the Dōjō Kun and Shūgyō no Kokoroe operate. This principle emphasises the importance of starting and ending each training session with deliberate intent and reflection, creating a structured and meaningful practice. Purpose: Kaisai no Genri aims to ensure that each karate session begins with a clear focus and purpose, as symbolised by the recitation of the Dōjō Kun, and ends with thoughtful reflection, as encapsulated by the Shūgyō no Kokoroe. This structure not only reinforces the ethical and moral teachings of karate but also cultivates a disciplined and mindful approach to training. Application: By adhering to Kaisai no Genri, karate practitioners create a consistent and purposeful routine. The opening (Kaisai) sets the stage for focused and ethical training, while the closing (Genri) allows for reflection and internalisation of the day's lessons, fostering continuous improvement and personal growth. The Dōjō Kun. The Dōjō Kun, often referred to as the Dojo Oath or Dojo Precepts, is a set of guiding principles recited at the beginning and sometimes at the end of karate training sessions. These precepts serve as a moral compass for practitioners, reminding them of the core values they must uphold both inside and outside the dojo. When It Takes Place: The Dōjō Kun is typically recited at the start of each class, aligning with the principle of opening (Kaisai) to set the tone for the training session. This ritual helps ensure that students enter the practice space with the right mindset and focus. In some dojos, it is also repeated at the end of the class, which corresponds to the principle of closing (Genri), to reinforce these principles and reflect on how they were applied during the training. Purpose: The primary purpose of the Dōjō Kun is to instil a sense of discipline, respect, and ethical conduct in practitioners. It encapsulates the moral and philosophical tenets of karate, serving as a constant reminder of the deeper purpose behind the physical training. By regularly reciting these precepts, students are encouraged to internalise these values, which in turn shape their behaviour and attitude in daily life. Examples: While the specific wording of the Dōjō Kun may vary slightly among different karate styles, the underlying principles are generally consistent. Typical precepts include: 1. Seek perfection of character (人格完成に努むること - Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto) 2. Be faithful (誠の道を守ること - Makoto no michi wo mamoru koto) 3. Endeavour (努力の精神を養うこと - Doryoku no seishin wo yashinau koto) 4. Respect others (礼儀を重んずること - Reigi wo omonzuru koto) 5. Refrain from violent behaviour** (血気の勇を戒むること - Kekki no yū wo imashimuru koto) Shūgyō no Kokoroe (修行の心得) Shūgyō no Kokoroe, translated as "Principles of Training" or "Understanding of Discipline," is another crucial component of traditional karate practice. This concept encompasses the ethical and philosophical understanding that underpins the rigorous training and discipline required in martial arts. When It Takes Place: The Shūgyō no Kokoroe is often discussed at the end of a training session. This period is typically reserved for reflection on the day's practice, aligning with the principle of closing (Genri). It allows students to consider the lessons learned and how they apply to their overall journey in karate. Purpose: The purpose of Shūgyō no Kokoroe is to provide a structured framework for understanding the broader implications of karate training. It encourages practitioners to think deeply about their practice, focusing on self-discipline, perseverance, and ethical conduct. This reflection helps students to internalise the values of karate, promoting personal growth and a balanced approach to life. Examples: While the specific teachings of Shūgyō no Kokoroe can vary, they generally include principles such as: 1. Self-discipline - Emphasising the importance of consistent practice and self-control. 2. Perseverance - Encouraging students to persist through challenges and setbacks. 3. Respect - Instilling a deep respect for oneself, others, and the martial art itself. 4. Humility - Reminding practitioners to remain humble and open to learning. 5. Mindfulness - Promoting a mindful approach to training, ensuring that each movement and technique is executed with full awareness and intention. Closing Thoughts. Both the Dōjō Kun and Shūgyō no Kokoroe are essential elements of traditional karate practice, operating within the broader context of Kaisai no Genri. They serve not only to guide practitioners in their physical training but also to instil a sense of moral and ethical responsibility. By regularly engaging with these principles, karate students are encouraged to develop a well-rounded approach to their practice, ensuring that they grow not just as martial artists but as individuals. Through the recitation of the Dōjō Kun and the reflection on the Shūgyō no Kokoroe, framed by Kaisai no Genri, the dojo becomes a place of holistic development, where the body, mind, and spirit are harmoniously cultivated. 概要 伝統的な空手道場では、道場訓(どうじょうくん)と修行の心得(しゅうぎょうのこころえ)が、稽古生の肉体的な鍛錬だけでなく、道徳的・倫理的な発展を導く上で重要な役割を果たします。これらの要素は、空手の訓練における規律と哲学的な基盤を維持するために不可欠です。これらは、開塞の原理(かいさいのげんり)の文脈の中で機能し、各稽古セッションの始めと終わりに明確な目的を持つことの重要性を強調します。 開塞の原理(かいさいのげんり) 開塞の原理は、道場訓と修行の心得が機能する文脈を提供します。この原理は、各稽古セッションの開始と終了を意図的かつ反映的に行うことの重要性を強調し、構造化された有意義な練習を創造します。 道場訓(どうじょうくん) 道場訓は、通常、稽古の始めに唱えられる指導原則のセットであり、時には稽古の終わりにも唱えられます。これらの誓いは、稽古生に道場内外で守るべき基本的な価値観を思い起こさせる道徳的な指針となります。 修行の心得(しゅうぎょうのこころえ) 修行の心得は、「修行の原則」または「修行の理解」と訳され、武道の厳しい訓練と規律を支える倫理的・哲学的な理解を包含しています。この概念は、稽古の終わりに反省の時間としてしばしば議論されます。 結論 道場訓と修行の心得は、伝統的な空手の練習に不可欠な要素であり、開塞の原理という広範な文脈の中で機能します。これらの原則に定期的に従事することで、空手の稽古生は、武道家としてだけでなく、一個人としても成長することが奨励されます。道場訓の唱和と修行の心得に基づく反省を通じて、道場は身体、精神、魂が調和して育まれる場所となります。 Okinawan and Japanese Budo
1 Comment
Tommy
5/31/2024 06:44:44
Hello Mr. Hatch. Interesting. I've known of the term Kasai No Genri for years but never associated it with this. Just to make sure I googled it again after reading your article and all I found was what my understanding of it was. That it applied to kata as far as meaning and application etc. Are there multiple meanings to this? Wikipedia has a pretty good explanation of what I'm referring to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaisai_no_genri
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James M. HatchInternational Educator who happens to be passionate about Chito Ryu Karate. Born in Ireland, educated in Canada, matured in Japan Archives
July 2024
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