A Dojo Kun is composed of 5 precepts devised by Master Funakoshi as a guide to become the ideal Karateka.

The purpose of the Dojo Kun is to remind all Karateka, regardless of their rank, that the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of their karate training must also extend beyond the dojo's walls i.e., in order to derive the true benefits of Shotokan karate-do, each Karateka must take the underlying principals of this art form and make them a part of their daily life.

The Dojo Kun in Kanji 'The words are written top to bottom and from right to left'

The right-most character read "Kun".

Each line begins with a marker that means "one" or "Firstly". Each line ends with the word 'koto', which literally translated means "thing". This is normally interpreted as one rule, another rule and so on......

The Dojo Kun in written Japanese

Hitotsu! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuro koto
Hitotsu! Makoto no michi o mamoru koto
Hitotsu! Doryoku no seichin o yashinau koto
Hitotsu! Reigi o omonzuru koto
Hitotsu! No yu o imashimuru koto

The Dojo Kun translated into English

Strive to perfect character
Defend the paths of truth
Foster the spirit of effort
Honour the rules of etiquette
Guard against rash courage

Traditionally the Dojo Kun would have been verbally recited by all of the students at the end of each training session and would be recited out loud one line at a time, first by the dojo's Sensei (or senior student) and then repeated immediately afterwards in unison by all of the students in attendance. This would normally be done prior to the final bow at the end of each class.

The Dojo Kun is becoming less often recited in most western associations or has been modernised to suit local needs or beliefs. There are many translations of the original but a common American interpretation would be similar to the following:

Seek Perfection of Character
Faithfulness
Effort
Respect Others
Refrain from violent behavior

In the past it would have been written onto the Dojo wall and would be a prominent item in the training hall. Nowadays, as a lot of todays training halls are not dedicated Martial Arts Dojo's but simply School/Community Halls and Leisure Centres, this is no longer possible.