One of the aspects of martial arts, as I have mentioned several times before, has to do with connecting the mental, the physical, and the spiritual.  Visitors to our dojo are likely intrigued when we open and close every class with a period of seiza, in which we sit quietly in a kneeling position (those over 18 get to sit cross legged).  This time is either a period in which one can prepare the mind to train, or reflect on what has been learned.  Either way, this is perhaps a uniqueness that sets martial arts apart from many other sports activities.

During seiza, which is generally as short or as long as the instructor wishes, we sit with our eyes closed (mukuso) and often, the instructor asks someone to recite the dojo kun, or dojo principles.  These consist of the following:

• Uphold the principles of propriety and courtesy.
• Cultivate the spirit of effort
• Perfect the mind of patience.
• Live the way of truth.
• Do not lose self control or act in a violent manner. 

While our purpose is to train physically, the additional emphasis on living our life by means of the dojo principles, hopefully ensures that the individuals we train are developing ideals that persist long past the sweat and effort put forth trying to attain a belt color.

Over the next few posts, I hope to give my own perspective on each of these principles.  I will try to do them justice!