The Seven Codes of the Bushido

Central to each Kokondo-ka's development as a martial artist is one's development of high moral character. Kokondo sensei focus teaching on the learning and practice of practical self-defense techniques as opposed to claiming to teach "discipline". However, character development is an important part of one's martial arts training. With skill and proficiency comes responsibility.

Character development comes in many forms. Students learn from their sensei and from the higher ranked students in the dojo. Students learn the importance of safety first in their practice. Training in appropriate response helps to teach a sense of responsibility for one’s actions and one's training. Through working closely with fellow Kokondo-ka, students learn to trust and respect themselves and others. Finally, rank promotions are awarded not just based on technique but based on each student's demonstration of high moral character.

The Seven Codes of Bushido provide Kokondo-ka with the fabric under which moral character can be developed and guided. Learning and demonstrating an understanding of the Codes of Bushido are as important to one’s Kokondo training as practicing basics and kata. It is the responsibility of each Kokondo sensei to instill an understanding of these codes in all students. Likewise, it is the responsibility of each student to learn the seven codes and to follow them to the best of their ability.

The Seven Codes of Bushido are

Courage Honor
Loyalty Veracity Justice
Benevolence Politeness

Some of this content was borrowed from www.masskokondo.com with written permission of Adam Garber