Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu Pledge of Honor

          With honor, we will apply ourselves to the study of Ryukyu Kenpo; placing foremost the improvement of both mind and body. Striving for an ultimate serenity, that can only come through a complete understanding of ourselves, we approach life’s problems with the patience Kenpo has given us. Never will we unjustly dishonor our fellow students, our teachers, the Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu Kai, or the art of Kenpo through misusing the secrets we are learning.
We remember the Dojo Kun:

1.)  Strive for the perfection of character.
      Hitotsu. Jinkaku Kansei ni Tsutomuru koto.
2.)  Defend the paths of truth.
      Hitotsu. Makoto no Michi wo Mamoru koto.
3.)  Foster the spirit of effort.
      Hitotsu. Doryoku no Seishin wo Yashinau koto.
4.)  Honor the principles of etiquette.
      Hitotsu. Reigi wo Omonzuru koto.
5.)  Guard against impetuous courage.
      Hitotsu. Kekki no Yu wo Imashimuru koto.

To this we the students of Ryukenkan do pledge.

Guiding Principles of Ryukyu Kenpo Kobujutsu

Tode Jukun:

1.)  When asking to be taught, be submissive and free from prejudice. Accept the teachings as shown. In this way, you will not establish your own peculiarities or bad habits.
2.)  Be polite and obedient to the master and other superiors. Be courteous among fellow students and all others in the dojo. Cooperate with, and be kind to your training partners. Be friendly and help others to learn; so, others will help you to learn.
3.)  Cultivate a spirit of perseverance. You will develop a healthy body, if you have strength of mind and train regularly. You will have a successful and productive life if you set and work toward worthy personal goals. You must adapt, adjust, and overcome problems. Know yourself. Defeat the enemy within, first. Then, you will be able to defeat the enemy from without.
4.)  Strive to be a warrior for the construction of a peaceful and free world; by using the character building, morality, and spirituality contained in the phrase, “That which is hateful to yourself do not do to others.”
5.)  In daily conduct, what you do, far outweighs your ‘thoughts’, ‘intentions’, or ‘promises’. Remember the laws of ‘lashon hara v'rekhilut’, and that one good deed leads to another.
6.)  Move from easy to difficult and from simple to complicated. More time is required to train longer and harder as you progress. Do not hurry or engage in senseless or reckless practice. Develop gradually.
7.)  Become familiar with the use of the ‘makiwara’, heavy bag, ‘bogu’ gear, and other training equipment. Train yourself to use your balance and weight, arms and legs, intuitiveness and internal energy. Be patient and study earnestly the kata and techniques. Do not aim for hurried success.
8.)  In the past, a single kata would be studied for three years. Masters would analytically research one kata for ten years and more. There is no time limit in perfecting a kata. Do not become proud of your successes. Pride will lead you to diminish what you could have achieved, both in virtue and technique. Pride can become a poison - to you and the world.
9.)  Take care not to develop only your favorite technique, neglecting others, because this leaves a weakness in your defense. Be cautious about becoming too theoretical or technical for these, also, are weaknesses.
10.)  Ask questions freely of the master or other superiors. You must strive to understand what you are learning.

*  “Tale Bearing” -  Lashon Hara, if true; Rekhilut, if not.

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