This ancient code of the Samurai is still valid today with only slight modifications.
The Seven Virtues of Bushido
Justice
Moral virtue or strength. Rectitude is the power of deciding upon a certain course of conduct in accordance with reason and what is right and wrong. This is done without wavering: to die when it is right to die, to strike when it is right to strike.
Politeness
Politeness should be as a result of your consideration for the feelings of others. It should not be a result of fear of offending good taste or convention. The more it is practiced, the greater becomes your consideration for others and your understanding of other peoples points of view. As a typical example, you don’t mar the pleasure or serenity of others with expressions of your own pain or sorrow.
Courage
Courage is to live when it is right to live and to die when it is right to die. To rush into battle half heartedly, not making the full effort because you "know" you won’t live anyway, lacks real courage. To engage in a seemingly hopeless battle and not give up till your time is up, is courageous. It is also courage to do what you know is morally right, when it is right to do it. It is also courage to bear life’s hardships without complaining and maintain composure under adverse circumstances, approaching good and bad times in life with equal composure, dignity and patience.
Benevolence
A benevolent man is ever mindful of those who are suffering and in distress. Beginning with empathy for others in distress, benevolence can be described as the correct usage of your power to act for the good of the recipient.
Veracity (SINCERITY)
While lying was not condemned as a sin, it was viewed as a weakness. While westerners will tell "little white lies", the samurai, (who believed that their high social position required high moral standards), would regard these lies as "deception by sweet words." Like the phrase, "the word of a gentleman", the word of the samurai was always accepted because everyone knew that the Samurai would not dishonor himself by lying.
Honor
To the Samurai, honor was:
• the understanding of their own worth and dignity and
• the understanding of their station in life, his responsibilities and duties and how continued correct practice of their code ensured the continuance of their good reputation.
From early in life, shame was used to educate children in what was correct behavior and what was not. Honor was not vain, but an understanding and discharging of their moral responsibilities
Loyalty
Loyalty was one of the main foundations of the Bushido system. Loyalty to family, samurai and lords was given freely and the entire Bushido system is built around it.
DOJO KUN
ONLY SERIOUS MARTIAL ARTISTS TRAIN HERE!
1. Never misuse your skills. Martial arts technique is to be used only as a last resort,
after all other options have been completely exhausted, and then only to the extent
necessary.
2. Bow when entering or leaving the dojo for any reason. If you arrive late, bow at the
door and sit in seiza along the outer edge of the training area and wait for Shidoshi to
invite you to class.
3. Bow to seniors, especially Black Belts, after they have addressed you or assisted you.
3a. Bowing and firmly saying “OSU” is the acceptable way to greet or dismiss someone.
4. When a Black Belt makes way down a hallway or similarly narrow area, all lower
ranks should part and bow as the black belt passes.
5. When the senior instructor or Shidoshi arrives to a class or training area, all students
and lower grade black belts shall cease all activity, come to attention and face the
individual and render a proper bow.
6. All students regardless of rank shall be addressed as sir or ma’am as appropriate.
Address Black Belts by their title if they have been given one.
7. All students must come to attention and raise one fist, and wait to be called upon
before Speaking/asking a question.
8. Students must not horseplay during class. Anything other than martial arts training
has no place in the dojo.
10. TBDK members do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate anyone among us who does.
11. Never touch someone’s weapon unless it poses a danger to others.
12. After class carefully refold your gi and belt and place it in a safe place. Never allow
your belt to touch the floor or to become soiled. The belt is never washed.
13. Always present a neat and clean appearance. Wild hairstyles or colors are not
permitted.
14. Never wear any jewelry in the dojo, this presents a safety hazard to you and others.
Wedding bands, and medical jewelry are acceptable. Check with the instructor
before wearing any jewelry.
15. Never teach what you have learned to anyone unless instructed by a black belt to do
so.
16. Always obey all lawful wishes or commands issued by black belts. If you disagree
with a statement or lesson wait to discuss it privately if you can. Sometimes things
are not as they appear.
17. If at any time you feel pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness: STOP and alert a
black belt immediately. Nothing is to be gained from injuring yourself during
training.
18. If at any time you feel uncomfortable about an activity or about a particular person in
the dojo please discuss your concerns with a black belt as soon as possible.
19. Strive to live an exemplary life. As an elite member of the Tsuki Bu-Do Kai you are
expected to set the example for others to follow.
20. No matter your status or position in the dojo or in your personal life always remain
humble. Being a bully, braggart or egomaniac is a cowardly undertaking and is
seriously frowned upon by Shidoshi. There is a huge difference between confidence
and arrogance.
21. All students must ask permission to leave the training area for any reason. This is for
accountability reasons and must not be overlooked.
22. All members of TBDK are expected to foster the brotherhood inherent in our sacred
tradition. Each student must do their best to preserve the peace and safety of each
member. “If everyone were to help their neighbor, then no one would be without
help”-Bruce Lee
23. After speaking to Shidoshi or another black belt lower ranked students must take three steps backward, bow and then depart. NEVER turn your back on a black belt, to do so is a serious disrespect and will likely be met with a harsh response.
TSUKI BU-DO KAI LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES
Know yourself and seek self-improvement.
Be technically and tactically proficient.
Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates.
Make sound and timely decisions.
Set the example.
Know your students and look out for their welfare.
Keep your Assistant Instructors informed.
Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished.
Train your Instructors as a team.
Employ your Leadership in accordance with its capabilities.
