aktualizované: 12.12.2024 09:14:11 

European Shito Ryu Karate Federation

Karate Code

The moral code of Karate is derived from the philosophy of martial arts based on the BUDO and BUSHI DO principles. Honor and loyalty are the two most important principles of this Code. Equally important principles include: devotion, justice, courage, kindness, sincerity, respect and decency, modesty, humility, and above all, self-control.

Honor - Meiyo
Honor is essential. We cannot fight without a sense of honor. Everything else derives from it, as it means having a moral code, an ideal, and respecting it.

Loyalty - Chujitsu
Honor cannot make sense without loyalty and devotion to certain ideals, as well as to those who share them in karate. It is essential that commitments are kept and that one's word is honored.

Sincerity - Seijitsu
Loyalty requires sincerity in both words and deeds, because without it, there can be no trust. The lie of ambiguity breeds suspicions, which can lead to quarrels and disputes. Greetings in Karate-do express this sincerity. They signal that we do not hide our thoughts and feelings and that we can be ourselves.

Courage - Yuuki
Courage is the strength of spirit that makes us resilient to danger and suffering. It means respecting what seems right at all times, and being able to overcome our fears and anxieties. Bravery, enthusiasm, and willpower are the pillars of courage.

Goodness and Kindness - Shinsetsu
Goodness and kindness are signs of courage and reveal a high degree of humanity. They are states of spirit that lead us to the future, to mutual help, to caring for others, to respect for life, and to the world around us.

Modesty and Humility - Ken
Goodness and kindness cannot be expressed without moderation in self-esteem. Being humble and free from pride and vanity is the only guarantee of modesty. It means being real, without false ideas about oneself.

Justice - Tadashi
Justice means always following the line of duty and never deviating from it or abandoning it. Devotion, honesty, and sincerity are the pillars of justice that enable us to make sensible and correct decisions.

Respect - Sonchoo
Justice evokes respect in the eyes of those around us. It is the quality of knowing how to treat people and things with respect, as required by their age, merit, and other qualities. To respect these qualities is sacred. Decency is an expression of respect for others, regardless of their qualities, weaknesses, or social status. Ethics and etiquette are expressions of respect and decency.

Self-control - Seigo
Self-control should be an unconditional characteristic of every karateka. It means masterfully controlling one's instincts and feelings. It is one of the goals of martial arts and determines all our success. The duty of traditional morality and honor in Karate-do is the basis for gaining this mastery.

Basic Principles of Karate-do:

Respect and Courtesy (Rei) 

In Karate-do, great emphasis is placed on respecting instructors, partners, and honoring traditions and rules. The bow before and after training, as well as during practice with a partner, is a common part of the practice.

Self-Control (Sei-shin) 

Karate-do helps develop discipline and the ability to control one’s thoughts and emotions. This includes not only control over the body but also over reactions in stressful situations.

Balance between Body and Mind (Chikara to Seishin no Chōwa) 

The development of physical strength and technical skills is important, but equally essential is the development of mental strength, concentration, and inner balance.

Principle of Correct Postures (Kamae) – Stances are the foundation for effective techniques. In Karate-do, one learns how to stand correctly and be prepared for both attack and defense in any situation.

Practice of Basic Techniques (Kihon) 

Kihon represents the fundamental techniques of Karate, which are necessary to master advanced exercises. These include various strikes, kicks, blocks, and movements that are repeated to develop technical skill.

Application of Techniques in Practice (Kata) – Kata is a series of predefined movements that simulate combat situations against multiple enemies. It is a way to learn how to apply techniques in various scenarios.

Sparring (Kumite) 

Kumite is the practical application of techniques in a match against a partner. It focuses on applying what has been learned in kihon and kata. In kumite, it is important to follow the rules to avoid injuries while also showing respect to the opponent.

Spiritual Growth (Do) 

The word "do" means "way" or "path." Karate-do is not just about physical abilities, but also about personal growth, self-improvement, and a philosophy of life. The goal is to achieve harmony between body, mind, and spirit.

Patience and Perseverance (Gambaru) 

Karate-do requires long-term effort, patience, and perseverance. The journey of learning Karate is an endless process that requires continuous improvement.