Isshinryu Karate Precepts

Over at Okinawan Empty Hand, there was an article about the twelve precepts of Isshinryu and a discussion of the philosophy behind them. An excerpt is below. The full post may be read here.

Aita-te Do Kyōkun [開いた手道教訓]

A direction given as a rule of action or conduct for the practical and moral application and study of the art of the open hand or karate for defense. Inspired by the ancient classics and ancient way of the Japanese Samurai.

12 Precepts

Ju-ni Kyōkun [十二教訓]

Character (Seikaku [性格])

Personality (Jinkaku [人格])

Commitment (Kenshin [献身])

Responsibility (Sekinin [責任])

Dedication (Kenshin [献身])

Faithfulness (Chūjitsu [忠実な])

Honor (Meiyo [名誉])

Courage (Yūki [勇気])

Integrity (Igen [威厳])

Compassion (Omoiyari [思いやり])

Modesty (Kenkyo [謙虚])

Courtesy (Reigi [礼儀])

12 Precepts Explained

Character (Seikaku [性格]): a person, especially with reference to behavior or personality: moral or ethical quality: of honesty, courage, or the like.

Personality (Jinkaku [人格]): a person as an embodiment of a collection of qualities: the visible aspect of one's character as it impresses others: the sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of an individual.

Commitment (Kenshin [献身]): the act of committing, pledging, or engaging oneself: a pledge or promise; obligation.

Responsibility (Sekinin [責任]): having a capacity for moral decisions and therefore accountable; capable of rational thought or action: answerable or accountable, as for something within one's power, control, or management (often followed by to or for): having a capacity for moral decisions and therefore accountable; capable of rational thought or action: able to discharge obligations.

Dedication (Kenshin [献身]): to devote wholly and earnestly, as to some person or purpose: to set apart and consecrate to a deity or to a sacred purpose: to set aside for or assign to a specific function, task, or purpose: 

Faithfulness (Chūjitsu [忠実な]): the fact or quality of being dedicated and steadfast in performing one’s duty, working for a cause, etc.: the fact or quality of being true to one’s word or commitments, as to what one has pledged to do, professes to believe, etc.

Honor (Meiyo [名誉]): honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions: high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: high public esteem.

Courage (Yūki [勇気]): the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery: to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.

Integrity (Igen [威厳]): adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

Compassion (Omoiyari [思いやり]): a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

Modesty (Kenkyo [謙虚]): regard for decency of behavior, speech, dress, etc.: simplicity; moderation: freedom from vanity, boastfulness, etc.

Courtesy (Reigi [礼儀]): excellence of manners or social conduct; polite behavior: a courteous, respectful, or considerate act or expression: favor, help, or generosity.

The precepts introduce meaning behind the following philosophical rules.