Dojo oath

• We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm unshaking spirit.
• We will pursue the true meaning of the marital way so that in time our senses may be alert.
• With true vigour we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial.
• We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors, and refrain from violence.
• We will follow our religious principles and never forget the true virtue of humility.
• We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires.
• All our lives through the discipline of karate, we will seek to fulfil the true meaning of the Kyokushin way.
  Dojo oath in Japanese

Dojo Etiquette

1. Every student upon entering or leaving the Dojo, should turn and face the front of the Dojo, bow and say "OSU". This is to acknowledge the Dojo and every person within.
2. When late for a class, kneel (formal kneeling position) at the appropriate place, within sight of the instructor, facing away from the class. When the instructor indicates it is now safe to join the class, you stand up, turn to the front, bow and say "OSU" then "Shitsurei Shimasu" (excuse me for disturbing), then quickly join at the rear (regardless of your grade) of the class.
3. Do not eat, drink, eat or chew gum in the Dojo.
4. Do not leave the class without asking permission from the instructor. If you must leave your position, walk behind the line you are in to the side and proceed around the back of the class.
5. Always address the instructor and seniors by their proper title (Shihan, Sensei or Sempai). Acknowledge them with a loud "OSU" if they speak to you.
6. Your attitude should be serious, so do not talk or cause disruption during the class.
7. All directions, from the instructor or a senior grade in the Dojo should be obeyed without question.
8. Always move quickly in class when instructed to do something.
9. Do not practice kumite (fighting) unless the instructed tells you to do so.
10. Do not stop if you are having problems keeping up, let the instructor know or do your best.
11. During any break do not sit, lie down or lean against the wall.
12. All students should accept the responsibility of keeping the Dojo clean and tidy.
13. Your dogi must be neat clean at all times. When not being used your dogi should be put folded neatly or hung up.
14. Your belt should never be washed, as it represents the spirit of your hard training.
15. Males should never wear t-shirts or other clothing underneath their dogi, it suggests that you will not be training hard and you will need it to keep warm.
16. Keep fingernails and toenails cut short.
17. Do not wear jewellery during training.

Sosai Oyama's Eleven Mottos

1. The martial way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be properly and genuinely courteous at all time.
2. Following the martial way is like scaling a cliff, continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering devotion to the task at hand.
3. Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or thoughtlessness.
4. Even for the martial artist, the place for money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become attached to it.
5. The martial way is centred in posture. Strive to maintain correct posture all the times.
6. The martial way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of training.
7. In the martial arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to improve.
8. The nature and purpose of the martial way is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of hard training.
9. The martial arts begin with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stem from this principle.
10. The true essence of the martial way can only be realised through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its’ demands.
11. Always remember: In the martial arts the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant.

The meaning of "OSU'

This is very demanding, because you must push yourself to what you believe to be your limit, and you want to stop; to give up. When you reach this point you must fight yourself and your weakness and you must win. To do this you must learn to persevere, but above all you must learn to be patient. This is "Osu"!

The reason you subject yourself to hard training is because you care about yourself, and to care about yourself is to respect yourself. This self respect evolves and expands to become respect for your instructor and fellow students. When you enter the dojo you bow and say "Osu" . This means you respect your dojo and the time you spend training there. This feeling of respect is "Osu"!

During training you push yourself as hard as possible because you respect yourself. When you finish you bow to your insructor and fellow students and say "Osu" once more. You do this out of appreciation. This feeling of appreciation is "Osu".

Thus "Osu" is a very important word in Kyokushin Karate because it signifies patience, respect and appreciation. That is why we always use the word "Osu"; to remind ourselves of these indespensable qualities.

Back to Library...