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CODE OF LIFE

COURAGE. 

PERSEVERENCE.COMPASSION.

LIVE WITH HONOR

In today’s world, more people than ever feel restless, disconnected, and uncertain of their self-worth. We live in a hyper-connected society—constantly plugged in, yet profoundly isolated. Both children and adults struggle to find meaningful values, guiding principles, and a clear sense of direction in life. But at the core of it all, one truth remains: who you become is up to you.
 

The journey to self-awareness is challenging. It demands time, energy, and courage. So why take the hard road? Because when you truly know yourself, anything becomes possible.
 

This quest for meaning isn’t new. It's an ancient pursuit that has taken many forms throughout history. One of the most powerful frameworks is Bushido—the Way of the Warrior. Much like the knight’s code of chivalry, Bushido is a time-honored ethical path rooted in honor, integrity, courage, skill, and loyalty. Practiced by the samurai, Bushido was not a religion—it was a code of life, a compass for becoming someone worthy of respect.
 

In our modern era, the true meaning of Bushido is often diluted—overshadowed by the pursuit of medals, belts, and short-term glory in sport karate. Kyokushin is different.
 

At the heart of Kyokushin lies a deeper purpose: to relentlessly train the mind, forge the body, and fortify the spirit—so that we may strive to perfect our character. This is the modern path of the warrior. And it is as vital today as it was centuries ago.

There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Seek nothing outside yourself.

Miyamoto Mushashi

If you want to build a better life, start by holding yourself to higher standards.


The world offers countless versions of “success,” but the truth has never changed. For thousands of years, the path to a meaningful life has followed the same timeless formula:

  • Live with honor and purposeThe 7 Virtues of Bushido

  • Care for your body with intentionThe 5 Principles of Good Health

  • Cultivate a resilient, focused mindThe 3 States of Mind
     

Excellence isn’t accidental—it’s earned through daily choices that shape who you become.

The 7 Virtues of Bushido

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GI

Justice

Consider all points of view before committing to and making a decision. Be true to yourself.

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REI

Respect

Behaviors that ensure effective, safe training, development of martial skill, and growth over time. 

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YU

Courage

Use intelligence and strength to face danger, take balanced risks, and live a full life.

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MEIYO

Honor

Every decision you make reflects your character. Judge only yourself.

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JIN

Compassion

Building true strength takes dedication and effort. Always use your power for good. Be kind. Strive to improve the lives of others.

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MAKOTO

Integrity

Your word is your bond. If you mean it, say it. If you say it, do it. Make no excuses.

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CHU

Loyalty

Be true to your principles and protect all who are in your care. Accept consequences of your words and actions.

5 Principles of Good Health

Rational Nutrition

  • Choose food consistent with long-term health and vitality. Try to consume a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables of every color, lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and whole grains. 
     

Sensible Exercise

  • Everything, including exercise, has a time and place. Train hard but allow yourself time to heal. Good, balanced nutrition is key to recovery from hard training.  
     

Efficient Rest

  • Restful sleep is one of the most important things you can do to maintain good health. Your body knows what it is doing; be sure to give it the time to do it well.   


Proper Hygiene

  • Maintaining proper hygiene shows respect for self and for others. Improper hygiene leads to illness and disease over time.  


Positive Attitude

  • Your body will do what your mind says it should do. If you believe you can do something, your body will find a way. Scientific studies show people with a positive attitude and outlook live longer and are healthier overall. 

3 States of Mind

Zanshin | Alert Awareness

  • Translated literally, zanshin mean ‘remaining mind’. It also refers to posture before, during, and after taking an action. Essentially, zanshin is a state of mind where a person is totally aware, with relaxed alertness of one’s surroundings and potential threats that allows seamless reaction to changing conditions. 
     

Mushin | No Mind

  • Translated as 'mind without mind' or 'no-mindedness', mushin is a state of mind where all fear, anxiety, ego, and other emotions that cloud your judgment or restrict your actions are absent. Mushin is a state of unfiltered being, a total immersion in the present moment that allows one to act without thought or emotion, a state of complete openness where all possibilities exist. Mushin is difficult to describe, because the more one attempts to do so, the further away from mushin one becomes.
     

Fudoshin | Emotional Balance

  • Referred to as ‘immovable mind’, fudoshin is a mental state where one achieves peaceful, complete determination and unwavering will. Used as an antidote to anger, doubt, fear or hesitation, fudoshin is the mental fuel many martial artists and athletes use to overcome every obstacle with courage and an implacable will to succeed. Achieving fudoshin can feel like you are invincible and cannot lose. 

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