The dojo kun consists of five guiding principles that are usually recited at the end of each training session. These principles are intended to provide an ethical context for training. The five principles listed below are purported to have been written by Gichin Funakoshi or Kanga Sakugawa.

1. Seek perfection of character

2. Be faithful

3. Endeavor

4. Respect others

5. Refrain from violent behavior