Understanding the 5 Principles of Go Do Shin in Martial Arts

In martial arts, the journey is as much about the mind as it is about the body. The Go Do Shin which can be interpreted as “The Five Guiding Principles “—offers invaluable guidance for practitioners at every level. 

These principles emphasize qualities that shape not only how we train, but also how we approach life itself. 

Grounded in respect, humility, effort, mental clarity, and harmony, they serve as timeless reminders that martial arts is as much about personal growth and discipline as it is about mastering techniques.

In this article, we’ll break down each of the Five Principles, exploring their meanings, their significance in martial arts, and how they can help you become a more grounded, thoughtful, and effective practitioner. 

Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned martial artist with years of experience, these principles are a constant source of inspiration and direction. 

Let’s dive in and see how they can enrich your practice and life, helping you cultivate a deeper understanding of the art of karate.

In the Go Do Shin, each principle begins with 一つ (Hitotsu), which means “one.” This isn’t just a way of counting—it carries deeper significance. 

Rather than numbering the principles in a ranked order, each is given equal weight. There is no first, second, or third—every principle stands on its own, equally important in the practice of karate and in life.

This approach reinforces the idea that respect, humility, effort, mental clarity, and harmony are not things to be prioritized over one another but should be embraced together as a complete mindset. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, understanding that these values work in balance will help you grow both as a martial artist and as a person.

Shoshin Wasureru Nakare

• 初心 (Shoshin) – “Beginner’s mind” or “Original mind”
  • 初 (Sho) – Beginning, first
  • 心 (Shin) – Heart, mind, spirit
  • Refers to the mindset of a beginner, characterized by humility, openness, and a desire to learn. It emphasizes a state of receptivity and curiosity, free from arrogance or complacency. It is a reminder to maintain a fresh perspective, even as one gains experience in martial arts.
• 忘れる (Wasureru) – “To forget”
  • 忘 (Wasure) – To forget, neglect, or overlook
  • Refers to losing sight of something important—specifically, the beginner’s mindset. This highlights the potential for overconfidence or complacency, which can hinder further growth.
• 勿れ (Nakare) – “Do not” (formal negation)
  • A formal command meaning “do not” or “never.” It is a strong reminder to avoid neglecting or forgetting something essential to the practice.

Meaning:

“Do not forget the beginner’s mind.”
This phrase serves as a powerful reminder to maintain humility and openness in practice, regardless of one’s experience level. It encourages martial artists to approach training with the same eagerness to learn, the same curiosity, and the same lack of arrogance that a true beginner embodies.

The essence of this phrase is that no matter how experienced or advanced a practitioner becomes, there is always something new to discover, and there should never be complacency in learning.

Interpretation in Martial Arts:

In martial arts, Shoshin (初心) represents the idea of keeping a beginner’s mind (初心者の心) — a mindset that remains open and receptive to learning, regardless of one’s level of skill.

The phrase 初心忘れる勿れ encourages martial artists to maintain the humility, curiosity, and openness that characterize a beginner’s approach, never forgetting the importance of continuous learning.

This mindset keeps practitioners focused on improvement and avoids complacency, ensuring that they stay dedicated to mastering the fundamentals and evolving their practice.

The principle also aligns with the concept of Ishi (意志), or willpower/determination, which is the mental strength and resolve to stay committed to one’s goals.

Ishi provides the drive to persist through challenges, and when combined with the openness of Shoshin, it forms a powerful balance: the determination to continue striving for growth, paired with the humility to recognize that there is always more to learn, no matter how far along the journey you are.

In other words, Shoshin Wasureru Nakare (Never forget the beginner’s mind) and Ishi (willpower) work together to ensure continuous growth. With the humility of Shoshin, the practitioner remains open to new learning, and with the Ishi, they are driven to push forward in their training, overcoming obstacles and continuing to evolve.

By embodying Shoshin and applying Ishi, the martial artist maintains a mindset that is both humble and determined, ensuring they stay committed to progress while avoiding the pitfalls of arrogance and complacency.

Reigi Okotaru Nakare

• 礼 (Rei) – Courtesy, respect, manners, or ritual
  • Refers to courtesy, respect, and the rituals observed in various settings, especially in martial arts and traditional contexts. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper conduct and respectful behavior, not only in practice but also in everyday life.
• 儀 (Gi) – Ceremony, custom, or rite
  • Refers to the formalities, customs, and rituals that guide behavior in specific settings, reinforcing the values of respect and order in various interactions.
• 怠る (Okotaru) – “To neglect” or “To be careless”
  • 怠 (Oko) – To be negligent, lazy, or neglectful
  • Refers to failing to maintain proper conduct, disregarding the necessary attention to manners, or neglecting one’s duties and responsibilities.
• 勿れ (Nakare) – “Do not” (formal negation)
  • A strong command meaning “do not” or “never,” urging practitioners to avoid neglecting proper etiquette and respectful behavior at all times.

Meaning:

“Do not neglect etiquette.”
This phrase serves as a reminder to always maintain proper conduct, respect, and manners in martial arts and in life.

It highlights the importance of observing rituals, traditions, and respectful behavior, ensuring that we uphold the standards of etiquette, no matter how skilled or experienced we become.

Reigi Okotaru Nakare teaches that neglecting the rules of etiquette is not acceptable, emphasizing that respect for tradition is foundational to the martial arts journey.

Interpretation in Martial Arts:

In martial arts, Reigi (礼儀) is fundamental—it embodies respect for your instructor, fellow students, and the art itself.

Reigi Okotaru Nakare serves as a powerful reminder to never let your manners or conduct slip, regardless of your rank, years of practice, or level of expertise. Etiquette is an ongoing responsibility and must not be taken for granted, as it is closely tied to the values that uphold martial arts.

Respecting traditions and rituals is essential to the martial arts journey. This phrase encourages practitioners to uphold the traditions of Reigi at all times.

Proper etiquette is not merely a matter of outward behavior; it is a reflection of a moral commitment to respect and integrity, which are key aspects of Dōtoku (道徳), or moral virtue.

Connection to Dōtoku (Ethical Behavior):

Reigi Okotaru Nakare is closely connected to Dōtoku—the broader framework of moral values and ethical behavior.

While Reigi focuses on the practical application of respect and manners, Dōtoku refers to the ethical principles that guide our behavior in all aspects of life, including respect for others, integrity, and moral responsibility.

When we practice Reigi, we are not only adhering to the rules of etiquette but also aligning our actions with the deeper values of Dōtoku—values like honor, honesty, integrity, and respect for others.

Dōtoku encourages us to live by a moral code, and Reigi Okotaru Nakare reinforces that neglecting etiquette is not just about poor manners but a disregard for these core moral values that uphold harmony and respect in society.

Doryoku Okotaru Nakare

• 努力 (Doryoku) – “Effort” or “Hard work”
  • 努 (Do) – To strive, exert, or make an effort
  • 力 (Ryoku) – Power, strength, or force
  • Refers to putting in the necessary effort, dedication, and hard work to achieve something, especially through sustained effort over time. It is a continual process of striving for improvement and progress, both physically and mentally.
• 怠る (Okotaru) – “To neglect” or “To be careless”
  • 怠 (Oko) – To be negligent, lazy, or neglectful
  • Refers to failing to apply oneself or neglecting one’s responsibilities, leading to a lack of growth or improvement.
• 勿れ (Nakare) – “Do not” (formal negation)
  • A strong, formal command meaning “do not” or “never,” urging practitioners to avoid neglecting the necessary effort for growth.

Meaning:

“Do not neglect effort.”
This phrase emphasizes the importance of perseverance, consistent effort, and dedication in martial arts (and life).

It serves as a powerful reminder to always put forth your best effort and never become complacent or neglect the hard work required for continuous improvement. Without sustained effort, growth and development are impossible.

Interpretation in Martial Arts:

In martial arts, Doryoku (努力) is essential for growth and mastery. Doryoku Okotaru Nakare serves as a reminder to never become lazy or stop striving for improvement, no matter how skilled or advanced you become.

It is a warning against complacency and encourages practitioners to maintain a strong work ethic and consistent effort, day after day, in order to continue developing their skills and advancing in their practice.

This phrase is closely tied to the concept of “Forever a Student” in martial arts—always working hard, always improving, and never neglecting the effort required to grow.

The continuous effort needed for mastery directly leads to 発展 (Hatten), or development. Hatten can only occur when effort is consistently applied over time, fostering improvement not only in technical skill but in overall personal growth and advancement.

The connection between Doryoku Okotaru Nakare and Hatten is clear: effort is the driving force behind progress and advancement. Without sustained effort, there can be no growth.

This phrase reminds us that the effort we invest directly correlates with the development we achieve, whether in martial arts or in life.

Jōshin Kakeru Nakare 

Kanji: 一つ,常心怠る勿れ (Jōshin Kakeru Nakare)

• 常心 (Jōshin) – “Constant mind” or “Unwavering spirit”
  • 常 (Jō) – Constant, unchanging, steadfast
  • 心 (Shin) – Heart, mind, spirit
  • Refers to maintaining a steady, focused, and disciplined mind, free from distraction or hesitation. This principle emphasizes mental clarity, ensuring the mind remains clear, stable, and ready to act.
• 怠る (Okotaru) – “To neglect” or “To be careless”
  • 怠 (Oko) – To be negligent, lazy, or to neglect
  • Refers to failing to maintain discipline, losing focus, or becoming careless in training or attitude. It highlights the importance of not allowing mental complacency to interfere with progress.
• 勿れ (Nakare) – “Do not” (formal negation)
  • A strong, formal command to avoid doing something. It signifies an imperative warning or instruction to avoid mental neglect.

Meaning:

“Do not neglect a constant mind.”
This phrase serves as a reminder to always maintain a steady, disciplined, and focused mind, avoiding carelessness, distraction, or mental laziness.

It urges practitioners to remain vigilant, consistent, and dedicated, both in their practice and in their approach to life. The command emphasizes that a lack of focus or discipline will impede growth and effectiveness in Karate.

Interpretation in Martial Arts:

In the context of martial arts, Jōshin (常心) refers to keeping a mind that remains unwavering, calm, and focused, regardless of external circumstances.

This steadfastness is vital in both physical training and mental preparedness. Jōshin Kakeru Nakare warns against complacency, distractions, and neglecting mental discipline.

It underscores the necessity of staying present, focused, and alert at all times—whether in practice or in daily life.

This concept aligns with other key principles in martial arts, such as:

• Zanshin (残心) – The state of remaining aware and ready even after an action has been completed. This continuous awareness ensures that the practitioner is always ready for what comes next.
• Mushin (無心) – The idea of a clear, undistracted mind. In Mushin, the mind is free from clutter, allowing for instinctual and responsive action without hesitation or overthinking.

Connection to Jōshiki (Common Sense):

The principle of Jōshin Kakeru Nakare shares a close relationship with the concept of Jōshiki (常識), or “common sense.” While Jōshin emphasizes maintaining a steady and focused mind, Jōshiki encourages the practitioner to use practical and effective judgment.

In martial arts, having a focused mind (Jōshin) leads to the application of common sense (Jōshiki)—making the right decisions, choosing the most practical techniques, and responding appropriately to situations based on a clear mind.

When a practitioner embodies Jōshin, they maintain a mental clarity that allows them to apply common sense, choosing the best course of action based on real-world logic rather than overcomplicating things with unnecessary techniques.

Both principles work together to ensure effective training, sound decision-making, and successful outcomes in martial arts practice and beyond.

• 常心 (Jōshin) – “Constant mind” or “Unwavering spirit”
  • 常 (Jō) – Constant, unchanging, steadfast
  • 心 (Shin) – Heart, mind, spirit
  • Refers to maintaining a steady, focused, and disciplined mind, free from distraction or hesitation.
• 怠る (Okotaru) – “To neglect” or “To be careless”
  • 怠 (Oko) – To be negligent, lazy, or to neglect
  • Refers to failing to maintain discipline, losing focus, or becoming careless in training or attitude.
• 勿れ (Nakare) – “Do not” (formal negation)
  • A strong, formal command to avoid doing something.

Wa-Midasu Nakare

• 和 (Wa) – “Harmony” or “Peace”
  • Refers to peace, balance, and unity, particularly in relationships, the mind, and the environment. In martial arts, Wa represents the respect and unity among practitioners, as well as the calmness of mind and the harmonious flow of movement. It is foundational to ensuring that both the practitioner and their interactions with others are rooted in mutual respect and balance.
• 乱す (Midasu) – “To disturb” or “To disrupt”
  • 乱 (Ran) – Chaos, disorder, confusion
  • Refers to disrupting the peace, disturbing harmony, or causing disorder. This can apply to both physical actions, such as aggression or recklessness, and to a mental state, where distractions or negative emotions disrupt one’s clarity and focus.
• 勿れ (Nakare) – “Do not” (formal negation)
  • A strong command meaning “do not” or “never”. This word emphasizes the need to actively avoid actions that disturb peace and harmony.

Meaning:

“Do not disrupt the harmony.”
This phrase serves as a powerful reminder to always maintain peace and balance, both in our external actions and in our inner state of mind.

It urges practitioners to act with respect, control, and consideration, ensuring that harmony is preserved not only in practice but also in everyday life.

Interpretation in Martial Arts:

In martial arts, Wa (和) is essential—whether it’s the harmony of your body movements, the respect between training partners, or the calmness of your mind.

The phrase “Midasu Nakare” (Do not disrupt the harmony) reminds us to avoid causing disruptions, whether through aggressive actions, disrespectful behavior, or mental distractions.

This principle emphasizes the importance of balance and peace, both within ourselves and in our interactions with others. Martial arts is not just about physical techniques, but also about cultivating a mental state that is centered, calm, and focused.

This aligns with the concept of Mushin (無心), or “no mind,” where the practitioner’s mind is clear, calm, and unshaken, allowing them to act instinctively without disturbance or confusion.

Furthermore, Wa Midasu Nakare emphasizes the value of peaceful interaction and mental composure. Practitioners are reminded to maintain a steadfast commitment to peace, making sure their actions, words, and thoughts are aligned with the martial arts values of respect, self-control, and harmony.

Connection to Heiwa (Peace):

The principle of Wa Midasu Nakare is inherently tied to the broader concept of Heiwa (平和), or peace.

Heiwa represents a state of harmony and balance in the world, achieved when individuals avoid actions that disrupt the peace—whether through conflict, chaos, or mental distractions. In this way, Wa Midasu Nakare serves as a personal commitment to uphold Heiwa by ensuring that our actions contribute to a peaceful and harmonious environment.

By practicing Wa Midasu Nakare, we actively contribute to Heiwa, both within the dojo and in daily life. Whether through maintaining composure in the face of stress, respecting others in our interactions, or avoiding aggressive or disruptive behavior, we align ourselves with the broader goal of creating a peaceful world.

Master the 5 Go Do Shin Principles

At the end of a karate class, it’s often helpful to reflect on the key principles we practice. Below is a video summarising the Go Do Shin principles, accompanied by continuous audio for each of the five sections—just as you would hear them at the close of class. This video serves as a concise overview of the principles, allowing you to experience them in sequence without interruption.

By watching this video, you’ll reinforce the core values and pronunciation associated with the Go Do Shin, helping to cement these important concepts in your karate journey.

Embracing the Go Do Shin for Personal and Martial Arts Growth

The Go Do Shin serves as a powerful guiding philosophy for all karate practitioners, emphasizing that martial arts is far more than just physical techniques. It is a lifelong journey of self-improvement, mental discipline, and inner peace. The principles of the Go Do Shin provide a framework for cultivating both technical skills and strong character.

By embracing the five core principles—Shoshin (Beginner’s Mind), Reigi (Etiquette), Doryoku (Effort), Jōshin (Steady Mind), and Wa (Harmony)—karate practitioners develop not only their abilities but also their values. These principles extend beyond the dojo, influencing how we approach challenges, interact with others, and navigate daily life. They are the foundation of personal growth that shapes our interactions with the world.

Wa Midasu Nakare (Do not disturb the harmony) teaches us that maintaining harmony is essential for both personal development and the betterment of the world around us. By embodying this principle, along with the others, we ensure that our practice remains meaningful, disciplined, and fulfilling. It keeps us on the path of continuous growth, both inside and outside the dojo.

Download your free copy of the Go Do Shin to refer to these timeless principles anytime and continue your journey of personal and martial arts growth. By incorporating these principles into your training and daily life, we foster respect, effort, and mental clarity, ensuring that our karate practice becomes a lifelong journey of growth, both in skill and character.