These Maxims are mottos, the spirit of which serious students of Karate (空手) should try to follow if they wish to gain the maximum from their training. The Maxims are like the English sayings “Service not self”, “Deeds not words”, “Be prepared” and exemplify an attitude which dictates a way of life.

1. Reisetsu O Mamori (礼節を守り / れいせつをまもり) — stick to the rules. In the Dojo (道場) good etiquette must be observed by following the rules.

2. Shingi O Omanji (信義を重んじ / しんぎをおもんじ) — A student must have loyalty to his instructor. This is the most important thing in Martial Arts. It is not possible for someone to change his style in Japanese Martial Arts — people who do so cannot learn the correct etiquette and spirit of Martial Arts.

3. Jojitsu Ni Oberezu (上実に驕れず / じょうじつにおごれず) — Teachers and students are not all one. Outside the Dojo you can be friendly with your Sensei (先生) but do not take advantage of this friendship. In the Dojo respect and revere him.

4. Shinkenmi Ni Tesseyo (真剣味に徹せよ / しんけんみにてっせよ) — Be serious in your efforts. No flippancy, chattering, smoking, gum chewing, eating or drinking in the Dojo. Concentrate solely on Karate and train hard in everything you do. The Dojo is not a social gathering hall and visitors as well as students shall respect the rules and the Maxims.

Suhari (守破離 / しゅはり)

SUHARI is an old and important Martial Arts word in Japan.

Su (守 / しゅ)

Indicates that a beginner must correctly copy all karate techniques from his instructor.

Ha (破 / は)

Means that after a number of years training, when the Karateka (空手家) has attained a high-degree Black Belt, he is allowed to develop new techniques, provided they are improvements. This applies to all movements with the exception of basic techniques.

Ri (離 / り)

Is the highest form. It means that after an even longer period of training than for HA, the Karateka must be able to perform all forms of Karate automatically, not stopping to think about his moves.

Kikioji, Mikuzure, Futanren

Kikioji (聞き怖じ / ききおじ) — Being afraid because the enemy looks very fierce and strong.

Mikuzure (見崩れ / みくずれ) — This is a Historical Samurai Maxim. Being afraid before fighting, because of the enemy’s reputation.

Futanren (不鍛錬 / ふたんれん) — Inadequate training.

Any one of these three is enough to lose the contest for the Samurai (侍). The Maxim also applies to all Martial Arts, including Karate.