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極真十一箇条

The Eleven Mottoes of Mas Oyama

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama walking alone by the sea in soft dawn light. The open horizon and distant mountains reinforce the impression of solitary training, reflection, and a lifelong search for truth through budō.

Introduction

The Eleven Mottoes of Mas Oyama is an officially published collection of principles within the International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan.

The text was formulated by Sosai Masutatsu Oyama (1923–1994) and summarizes disciplinary and personal ideals within Kyokushin.

Unlike the Dojo Kun, which is traditionally recited in the dojo, these formulations are more reflective and life-oriented in character. The text is normative, but not systematically philosophical in an academic sense.

The most widely circulated and officially published version is in English.

Official English Version

  1. The Martial Way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be properly and genuinely courteous at all times.

  2. Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff – continue upwards without rest.

  3. Strive to seize the initiative in all things, guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or thoughtlessness.

  4. Even for the Martial Artist, the place of money cannot be ignored; yet one should be careful never to become attached to it.

  5. The Martial Way is centered in posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times.

  6. The Martial Way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of training.

  7. In the Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on your action as an opportunity to improve.

  8. The nature and purpose of the Martial Way is universal. All selfish desires should be tempered by hard training.

  9. The Martial Arts begins with a point and ends in a circle. Straight lines stem from this principle.

  10. The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realized through experience. Learn never to fear its demands.

  11. Always remember: in the Martial Arts, the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant.

Linguistic and Terminological Note

The title 極真十一箇条 can be translated as “Kyokushin’s Eleven Articles” or “Kyokushin’s Eleven Points.”

The term 箇条 (kajō) refers to a structured list of articles or principles. It indicates a set of normative points rather than a coherent theoretical treatise.

The expression “The Martial Way” reflects a broader meaning than karate as technique alone. It refers to a disciplined life path within the budō tradition.

Thematic Structure

The formulations revolve around recurring themes:

  • Courtesy and respect
  • Endurance and long-term training
  • Initiative and self-control
  • Non-attachment to material desires
  • Posture and presence
  • Experience-based understanding
  • Self-reflection and humility

The text is general and universal in tone rather than technically detailed.

Relation to Kyokushin Training

The principles relate to training by emphasizing:

  • Long-term shugyō (disciplined training over time)
  • The importance of correct posture
  • Initiative and mental responsibility
  • Practical experience over theoretical speculation

They function as normative guidelines rather than technical instructions.

Delimitation

The Eleven Mottoes of Mas Oyama should not be understood as:

  • An independent philosophical system
  • A religious doctrine
  • A substitute for the system’s practical structure

Their function is to articulate disciplinary and personal ideals whose meaning is realized through actual training.

Summary

The Eleven Mottoes of Mas Oyama constitute a normative summary of central ideals within Kyokushin.

Unlike the Dojo Kun, they are more life-oriented than dojo-specific, yet they share the same foundational disciplinary focus.

Their significance lies not in abstract theory, but in how they are embodied through long-term training and personal development along the Martial Way.