Sensei’s Pledge

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You see these types of things from time to time, a pledge from one person to another or others they will act a certain way and in return those people or others would act accordingly. In many dojo the hierarchal system has a leader, the sensei, and practitioners or students who follow. Within we have a hierarchal system of deshi to senpai to kohai, etc., but seldom have I witnessed a solemn pledge/promise from one to the other such as I suggest herein, below. 

This graphic I present is merely a copy, with appropriate changes to fit my needs, of the Marine Corps Drill Instructor’s pledge to recruits. I liked it a lot and recommend sensei to use this or something similar to pledge to their dojo-mates a certain morally driven promise to one another. I further make the suggestion that it be placed on the dojo wall and every few months both Sensei and deshi sit mokuso, write it out by hand on a piece of paper and then sign it with their signature. 

There is not better way for a dojo to make a commitment to themselves and to the others as tribe members do hold, demonstrate and live a set of standards with morals and skills that have become the hallmark of the karate and martial arts black belt tribe/community. 

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“In order for any life to matter, we all have to matter.” - Marcus Luttrell, Navy Seal (ret)

Click snapshot for larger, readable, view.