空karate.dev

道場

Class Structure

Every class opens and closes the same way — a ritual of respect. Here are the commands in order, how we count, and the precepts we live by.

Opening & Closing Commands

Called in sequence at the start and end of class.

  1. 1
    Ki o Tsuke

    Attention — line up by rank, feet together

  2. 2
    Seiza

    Kneel with legs under body, back straight, hands on legs

  3. 3
    Mokuso

    Meditate — close eyes, breathe deeply

  4. 4
    Mokuso Yame

    End meditation

  5. 5
    Shomen-ni Rei

    Bow to the front (respect for the dojo)

  6. 6
    Sensei-ni Rei

    Bow to the instructor (mutual respect)

  7. 7
    Kiritsu / Tate

    Stand up

Counting (1–10)

1
Ichi
2
Ni
3
San
4
Shi (Yon)
5
Go
6
Roku
7
Shichi (Nana)
8
Hachi
9
Ku (Kyu)
10
Ju

11–19 use the “Ju” prefix (e.g. Ju-ichi = 11). 20+ combine digits (Ni-Ju = 20, San-Ju = 30). Use “Yon” for 40 and 400; use “Nana” for 70 and 700. Special forms: 600 = roppyaku, 800 = happyaku, 8000 = hassen.

The Dojo Kun · 道場訓

The Dojo Kun are the five guiding principles of the dojo, rooted in the teachings of Shotokan's founder, Gichin Funakoshi. Each precept begins with “Hitotsu” — meaning “one” or “first” — because none ranks above another; all come first. They are recited together at the end of every class as a reminder that karate trains character, not only technique.

  1. 1

    一、人格完成に努むること

    Hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto

    English

    Seek perfection of character

    Español

    Esfuérzate por perfeccionar tu carácter

    The ultimate aim of karate. Technique is only the vehicle — the real goal is to become a more complete person: disciplined, humble, and honest. Every class is practice for the life you live outside the dojo.

  2. 2

    一、誠の道を守ること

    Hitotsu, makoto no michi o mamoru koto

    English

    Be faithful — defend the path of truth

    Español

    Sé fiel y defiende el camino de la verdad

    Be sincere and honest in word and action. Keep your commitments, stay true to your principles, and walk the right path even when it is the harder one.

  3. 3

    一、努力の精神を養うこと

    Hitotsu, doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto

    English

    Endeavor — cultivate the spirit of effort

    Español

    Cultiva el espíritu de esfuerzo y perseverancia

    Progress comes from consistent, persistent effort. Train with full intent, push through plateaus, and never stop striving to improve — on the mat and beyond it.

  4. 4

    一、礼儀を重んずること

    Hitotsu, reigi o omonzuru koto

    English

    Respect others

    Español

    Respeta a los demás

    Karate begins and ends with respect (rei). Honor your instructors, your partners, and your opponents. Courtesy and humility are marks of true strength, never weakness.

  5. 5

    一、血気の勇を戒むること

    Hitotsu, kekki no yū o imashimuru koto

    English

    Refrain from violent behavior

    Español

    Abstente de la conducta violenta

    Control your temper and your impulses. The power you build in training carries responsibility — a true karateka avoids conflict and uses skill only to protect, never to harm in anger.