There’s just something special about our martial arts family. Particularly ours, because as we all know, we have the best Sensei and role model we could have ever imagined. Though as a dojo we have such a special bond, when we visit other places, such as the Fort Wayne seminar, we all seem to mesh well. We talk to students from other dojos and immediately feel like friends. Besides our wonderful dojo culture that makes everyone feel welcomed, what is it about the martial arts in general that makes us all family? Through my research and experiences in the martial arts, I think the major influences on our “family” atmosphere is our foundation in moral values established by the Dojo Kun, the “decluttering” of our brain when we enter the dojo, and the social interactions within the dojo that facilitate the continuous building of our big family.
From my research, especially of Iulius-Cezar Macarie (a mental health professional) and Rob Roberts’ (a senior lecturer of psychology) works, the system of morals that is the foundation of martial arts keeps us all, as students and instructors, faithful to ourselves and our dojo family. After reflecting, I found this to be remarkably true. From the outside looking in, we’re just a bunch of karate students throwing each other, breaking boards, entertaining, and “fighting.” However, we know as martial artists ourselves that this is not the case. Once you become a student and begin living the Dojo Kun, there becomes a whole new meaning to martial arts.
Dojo Kun. International Shuri-Ryu Association. By Robert A. Trias.
(I). I shall conduct myself in a manner, which will reflect credit upon myself and society.
(II). I shall be loyal to my school and the art it teaches.
(III). I shall be honest and exercise integrity with the purpose of developing cooperation and trust with my fellow karate-ka and my teachers.
(IV). I shall exercise restraint in the use of my karate knowledge, employing it only in fair competition or in the defense of my life, my family, and my country.
When we read this for the first time at the beginning of our martial arts journey, we likely thought very superficially about what it truly meant. Many of us, especially those who were introduced as children, brushed over the deep meaning behind each of these carefully crafted words and merely memorized the Dojo Kun for our next belt test. Looking back at this now and dissecting the meaning of every word brings an entirely new meaning to Robert A. Trias’ perspective of Shuri-Ryu Karate. Now that we have experienced the Dojo Kun through our actions in and outside of class, we begin to understand the meaning behind (I) conducting ourself in a way that reflects credit upon each of ourselves, our dojo family, and as a Shuri-Ryu society, (II) being loyal to our dojo family, especially our Sensei, and the special art which is taught to us, (III) being honest and full of integrity when interacting with our dojo family so that we can trust one another, and (IV) respecting our karate knowledge not in a “flashy” manner, but in a way that protects ourself, our dojo family, our Sensei, and our country. As we think of each of these principles, we reflect on how each one of them is prioritized in our dojo through our interactions, but we can also reflect on how these principles have followed us into our external lives outside of the dojo, ultimately molding us into more understanding, sincere, and trustworthy humans. Our Dojo Kun and broadly the moral values that are taught by martial artists globally (including but not limited to respecting property, being faithful and sincere, exerting oneself in the perfection of character, physical and mental relaxation, control of the mind and body, and increased self-confidence) reminds students of the right attitude, frame of mind, and virtues to strive within and outside of the dojo (Macarie).
Perhaps something else that draws us together as a dojo family is our general shared interest in the martial arts, but also to generally becoming better people by using the moral values of the martial arts to perfect our character and escape the material world that surrounds us. Macarie states, “The approach to life that Eastern practices such as yoga, meditations, and martial arts offer to their adherents has proved attractive to many who are dissatisfied with the consumerist and materialist values that are prevalent in the West and that generate so much unhappiness” (Macarie). When we live our everyday lives at work, school, etc., we’re surrounded by negativity and materialistic perspectives. When we enter the dojo, as Sensei says, “We leave it all at the door.” Therefore, we declutter our brains and focus on our martial art techniques and the moral values that make up the foundation of how we interact as a family in the dojo, providing us with a positive experience that allows us to escape so much negativity.
Finally, I think the specific social interactions we have strengthens our trust with one another and helps us all feel a part of the family. Though we all have such different backgrounds, jobs, interests, religions, and origins, we respect and love one another. We are truly brothers and sisters of the martial arts. This social connection is again due to the moral values set in stone by our Dojo Kun. Carol Fuller, author of Martial Arts and Well-Being, Connecting Communities and Promoting Health, states the following:
As a specific interest group, martial arts have their own set of values, norms and expectations that are important to follow. Following the rules ensures ‘inclusion’ within the group, promoting a sense of belonging and shared identity that is the result of group membership. Martial arts then can be seen as serving two purposes, in terms of health and well-being: (1) promoting the practices that support the physical health and well- being of individuals through practice, rituals, and behavior, and (2) providing a sense of community and belonging through club membership that is important for mental and social well-being (Fuller, 94).
Besides the fact that we trust one another, count on one another, and learn from one another, we grapple and rub sweat on each other! By living by our Dojo Kun, we create great relationships with our fellow karate-ka who become our family and life-long friends, regardless of ethnicity, age, or other demographic factors.
Works Cited:
Fuller, C. Martial Arts and Well-Being Connecting Communities and Promoting Health, New
York, Routledge, 2020.
Macarie, Iulius-Cezar and Roberts, Ron. “Martial Arts and Mental Health.” Contemporary
Psychotherapy.
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