Kaiso Gōgen Yamaguchi, the founder of the International Karate-Do Gojū-Kai Association (IKGA), established the Dojo Kun as a core ethical and philosophical guide for practitioners within the Yamaguchi Goju Kai tradition. The Dojo Kun reflects the values of discipline, respect, and personal development central to Gojū-ryū karate.
The IKGA Dojo Kun consists of five principles:
- We are proud to study the way of Gōjū.
- We are courteous in manners.
- We strive to develop courage and fighting spirit.
- We cultivate fellowship and understanding.
- We respect the ideals of loyalty and honour, which are traditional from olden times in Japan.
These principles are taught and recited in both English and Japanese at IKGA dojos worldwide, emphasizing the importance of character development alongside technical skill. The tradition was carried forward by Goshi Yamaguchi, the current Saiko Shihan (Grand Master), who continues to uphold these values globally.