Understanding the Five 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

Kanji: 一つ, 初心忘れる勿れ

• 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 eagerness to learn, without arrogance or complacency.
• 忘れる (Wasureru) – “To forget”
  • 忘 (Wasure) – To forget, neglect, or overlook
  • Refers to forgetting or losing sight of something important, in this case, the beginner’s mindset.
• 勿れ (Nakare) – “Do not” (formal negation)
  • A strong, formal command to avoid doing something.

Meaning

“Do not forget the beginner’s mind.”
This phrase serves as a reminder to maintain a sense of humility and openness in practice, no matter how experienced or advanced one becomes. It emphasizes the importance of always approaching martial arts with the same curiosity, eagerness to learn, and lack of arrogance that a beginner has, regardless of one’s level or years of experience.

Interpretation in Martial Arts:

In martial arts, “Shoshin” is often associated with beginner’s mind (初心者の心), which is about maintaining a state of openness and receptivity to new ideas, regardless of how skilled or experienced one becomes. The phrase “初心忘れる勿れ” encourages practitioners to never forget that sense of humility, always striving to learn and improve as if they were a beginner, and to avoid becoming complacent or overly confident in their abilities.

Reigi Okotaru Nakare

Kanji: 一つ, 礼儀 (Reigi) – “Etiquette” or “Manners”

• 礼 (Rei) – Courtesy, respect, manners, or ritual
• 儀 (Gi) – Ceremony, custom, or rite
• Refers to the proper conduct, respect, and rituals observed in various situations, especially in martial arts and traditional settings.

• 怠る (Okotaru) – “To neglect” or “To be careless”
  • 怠 (Oko) – To be negligent, lazy, or to neglect
  • Refers to failing to perform a duty, neglecting responsibility, or showing disregard.
• 勿れ (Nakare) – “Do not” (formal negation)
  • A strong, formal command to avoid doing something.

Meaning:

“Do not neglect etiquette.”
This phrase emphasizes the importance of always maintaining proper conduct, respect, and manners in martial arts and life in general. It serves as a reminder that neglecting the rules of etiquette is not acceptable, no matter how skilled or experienced one becomes.

Interpretation in Martial Arts:

In martial arts, “Reigi” (礼儀) is fundamental, as it embodies respect for your instructor, fellow students, and the art itself. “Reigi Okotaru  Nakare” is a reminder to never let your manners or conduct slip, regardless of your rank or years of practice. It reinforces the idea that etiquette is an ongoing responsibility and should not be taken for granted.

Respect for traditions and rituals is a key component of martial arts, and this phrase encourages practitioners to uphold that respect at all times, regardless of their level of expertise.

Doryoku Okotaru Nakare

Kanji: 一つ, 努力怠る勿れ

• 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.
• 怠る (Okotaru) – “To neglect” or “To be careless”
  • 怠 (Oko) – To be negligent, lazy, or to neglect
  • Refers to failing to apply oneself or neglecting one’s responsibilities and efforts.
• 勿れ (Nakare) – “Do not” (formal negation)
  • A strong, formal command to avoid doing something.

Meaning:

“Do not neglect effort.”
This phrase is a reminder to always put forth your best effort and not to become complacent or neglect the hard work required to improve. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance, consistent effort, and dedication in martial arts (and life).

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 you become. It’s a warning against complacency and encourages practitioners to consistently put in the effort, day after day, to continue developing their skills and advancing in their practice.

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

Jōshin Kakeru Nakare 

Kanji: 常心怠る勿れ

• 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.

Meaning:

“Do not neglect a constant mind.”
This phrase serves as a reminder to always maintain a steady and disciplined mind, avoiding carelessness or lapses in focus. It encourages practitioners to stay vigilant, consistent, and dedicated in their training and mindset.

Interpretation in Martial Arts:

In martial arts, “Jōshin” (常心) refers to keeping a steady, composed mind that does not waver due to external circumstances. “Jōshin Okotaru Nakare” warns against complacency, distractions, or neglecting mental discipline. It reinforces the importance of staying present, focused, and disciplined at all times, both in training and in daily life.

This concept aligns closely with Zanshin (残心), the state of remaining aware and ready even after an action has been completed. It also connects with Mushin (無心), the idea of a clear and undistracted mind.

Wa-Midasu Nakare

Kanji: 一つ, 和乱す勿れ

• 和 (Wa) – “Harmony” or “Peace”
  • Refers to peace, calm, balance, or harmony, especially in relationships, mind, and environment.
  • In martial arts, “Wa” represents the concept of unity, balance, and respect for others.
• 乱す (Midasu) – “To disturb” or “To disrupt”
  • 乱 (Ran) – Chaos, disorder, confusion
  • Refers to disturbing the peace, disrupting harmony, or causing disorder, both in physical actions and mental state.
• 勿れ (Nakare) – “Do not” (formal negation)
  • A strong, formal command to avoid doing something.

Meaning:

“Do not disrupt the harmony.”
This phrase is a reminder to maintain peace and balance, not only in your external actions but also in your inner state of mind. It emphasizes the importance of keeping harmony in martial arts practice and in daily life.

Interpretation in Martial Arts:

In martial arts, “Wa” (和) is crucial—whether it’s the harmony of your body movements, the respect between training partners, or the calmness of your mind. “Midasu Nakare” reminds practitioners to avoid causing disruptions, whether through aggressive actions, disrespectful behavior, or mental distractions. The phrase encourages a mindset of balance and peace, aligning with the martial arts values of respect, self-control, and calmness.

This aligns with the concept of “mushin” (無心)—a state of “no mind,” where a practitioner remains calm, centered, and unshaken, allowing them to act instinctively without disturbance or confusion.

Conclusion

The Go Do Shin serves as a guiding philosophy for all karate practitioners, reminding us that martial arts is more than just physical techniques, it’s a lifelong journey of self-improvement.

By embracing these five principles—Shoshin (Beginner’s Mind), Reigi (Etiquette), Doryoku (Effort), Jōshin (Steady Mind), and Wa (Harmony)—we cultivate not only our skills but also our character.

These values extend beyond the dojo, shaping how we approach challenges, interact with others, and carry ourselves in everyday life. Whether we are bowing in respect, persevering through training, or maintaining composure under pressure, the Go Do Shin reminds us to stay true to the deeper purpose of karate.

By embodying these principles, we ensure that our practice remains meaningful, disciplined, and fulfilling—keeping us on the path of continuous growth, both on and off the tatami.