Kenpo Creed & Pledges
KENPO CREED
I come to you with only
karate, my empty hands.
I have no weapons, but should I be forced
to defend myself, my principles, or my honor,
should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong,
Then these are my weapons, karate, my empty hands.
PLEDGES
White Belt--The color white symbolizes the newness of the art, the purity, emptiness, and lack of knowledge the student yet has of
the art. This belt is received initially with the uniform, without any prerequisite training. After consulting with the instructor, the new
student receives permission to train in the dojo and may then wear the uniform and white belt for classes.
Self-control and Respect: Prior to achieving the Yellow Belt, the student should be able to demonstrate a basic level of self-control through their mastery of the ready stance and the concentration position. She should also demonstrate a mastery of the rituals of respect and decorum in the dojo and with superiors. (bowing upon entering and leaving the workout floor, saluting black belts, shaking hands, and showing respect to fellow students etc.)
Yellow Belt-- I realize I am a beginner in a new and fascinating art and the skills I am learning carry with them great responsibility. I will do my best to practice self-control and respect for others and myself. I promise to never engage another in sparring or grappling type exercises without supervision of an instructor whether at home or in class. I promise to never try out the techniques and movements I am learning on anyone without the supervision of an instructor and to treat all instructors and fellow students with the utmost respect.
Courtesy, Orderliness, and Helpfulness: Prior to achieving the Orange Belt, the student should be able to demonstrate basic manners
of courtesy and a willingness to be helpful and orderly. Courtesy is exhibited by the use of words like, “thank-you, please, ma’am,
and sir.” Helpfulness and orderliness should be demonstrated both in the dojo and at home. The student should put shoes and bag
neatly in their place upon entering the dojo. The student should also volunteer to put away equipment, sweep the floor, clean up,
or get supplies when needed.
Orange Belt-- I understand that all life is precious, including my own, and I should do everything in my power at all times to protect
life, whether it be my own or another’s. I should respect others at all times and never misuse my skill to hurt others or seek to make
others afraid. I will be courteous towards others and orderly and helpful when I can.
Confidence, Compassion, and Friendliness: Prior to achieving the Purple Belt, the student should be able to demonstrate confidence without being cocky, as well as compassion and caring for the needs and feelings of others. Confidence can be demonstrated by leading the class in warm-up exercises, or assisting newer students with the basic rules and courtesies of the dojo. The student should understand the difference between being confident and being cocky. The student should make every effort to guard against cockiness in his attitude and be considerate of the feelings and efforts of others. Compassion and friendliness is exhibited by the student’s willingness to listen, speak kindly, forgive, and be friendly to all, especially the new student.
Purple Belt-- I freely take upon myself the obligation and responsibility that I shall fight only if forced to defend myself and shall be slow
to anger, loath to take offense, and quick to forgive and to forget personal affront. Although I seek to be confident in my skills, I will be careful to temper that confidence with compassion and friendliness.
Cleanliness, Orderliness, and Moderation: Prior to achieving the Blue Belt, the student should demonstrate habits of cleanliness and orderliness. Younger students should develop the habit of washing hands and keeping the restroom and common areas clean. The
student should also keep uniform neat and clean by folding them neatly when not in use. Students should also have the habit of putting shoes and equipment in the proper place, etc. Moderation should be demonstrated by the student’s application of self-discipline to
his life. He should be developing the ability to balance activities such as school/ work, play and training thereby finding time for
all of them in their proper place.
Blue Belt-- I shall never let pride rule my passions and will defend, with all the skill I possess, the weak, the helpless, and the oppressed. I promise to assist my instructor when called upon and to give my best effort in assisting those who look to me for training. I will demonstrate a commitment to cleanliness and orderliness at the dojo and at home. I will seek moderation in all things by using self-discipline to take charge of my time and activities.
Reliability, Service, and Generosity: Prior to achieving the Green Belt, the student should demonstrate that he can be relied upon to get a task done. When given material to remember, he will practice without being asked. He is attentive to the needs of others and makes every effort to serve as the opportunity arises. He shares freely without seeking the return of the favor.
Green Belt-- I pledge a continued effort to sharpen my skills, to increase my knowledge, and to broaden my horizons. I shall obligate myself under the direction of my instructor to learn the skills of a teacher, which will enable me to teach my skills in a manner that brings honor and respect to the art, and my instructors. I will be reliable when called upon, helpful when I see an opportunity to serve and give
of my time and talents simply for the joy of giving.
Commitment, Excellence, and Enthusiasm: Prior to achieving the 3rd Degree Brown Belt, the student should demonstrate personal commitment to excellence. The student should give his best effort at all times and eagerly seek to take apart movements, slow them down and analyze them with attention to details. When asked to work on simple movements that are taught to white and yellow belts, the brown belt candidate should be eager to work hard at perfecting technique and getting rid of bad habits.
3rd Degree Brown Belt-- I pledge that as my skill as a teacher progresses I am committed to excellence and enthusiastic to develop the quality of my skills and not simply seek to achieve seniority of rank. I shall lead by example and exercise any teaching opportunities with utmost respect for my fellow students. I promise to never condemn, ridicule, embarrass, or shame any students or fellow instructor in the presence of a class or group. I promise to address all grievances or disputes in private away from group observation.
Patience, Peacefulness, and Tact: Prior to achieving the 2nd Degree Brown Belt, the student should demonstrate patience with himself and others, peacefulness in his demeanor, and tactfulness when dealing with others. Patience can be seen as the student quietly hammers away at his tasks without complaining and without losing sight of his goals. Peacefulness is demonstrated by his taking time for daily reflection, calmness in the face of conflict and attempting to resolve disputes in such a way as to build up everyone involved rather than simply for personal gain. When dealing with others, care should be taken in the choice of words so as to be respectful and sensitive.
2nd Degree Brown Belt-- I understand that like a doctor, the private affairs of students and fellow instructors that come to my attention during the exercising of my responsibilities are privileged communications and must never be discussed without permission. I will do my best to be patient with others and myself, to seek peace within and around me, and to be tactful in my dealings with others.
Modesty, Thankfulness, and Understanding: Prior to achieving the 1st Degree Brown Belt, the student should demonstrate modesty
by exhibiting self-respect, and an ability to accept praise with humility and gratitude. He should be thankful for what he has, and have an appreciation for the little things, a positive outlook and sense of contentment. He should seek understanding of things by paying close attention to see the meaning underneath as well as being empathetic and compassionate.
1st Degree Brown Belt-- I am grateful for all life and for all that I have. I understand that all life is sacred. I promise to respect myself and others. I honor and hold sacred the right of all people to protect themselves. I promise to make every effort to exercise
temperance in the practice of my art and follow the Kenpo adage: avoid rather than check, check rather than hurt, hurt rather than maim,
maim rather than kill.
Humility, Honor, and Integrity: Prior to achieving the Senior Brown Belt, the student should demonstrate an understanding and a commitment to humility, honor, and integrity. Humility is exhibited by thoughtfulness of the needs of others, a willingness to serve and put the needs of others ahead of his own, and recognition of imperfections and willingness to constantly improve. Honor can be seen when
the student does the right thing even when it is inconvenient. Integrity is seen when the student does what he says he will do.
Senior Brown Belt-- I am grateful for all life and for all that I have. I understand that all life is sacred. I promise to respect myself and others. I honor and hold sacred the right of all people to protect themselves. I promise to make every effort to exercise
temperance in the practice of my art and follow the Kenpo adage: avoid rather than check, check rather than hurt, hurt rather than maim,
maim rather than kill.
Humility, Honor, and Integrity: Prior to achieving the Black Belt, the student should demonstrate an understanding and a commitment to humility, honor, and integrity. Humility is exhibited by thoughtfulness of the needs of others, a willingness to serve and put the needs of others ahead of his own, and recognition of imperfections and willingness to constantly improve. Honor can be seen when
the student does the right thing even when it is inconvenient. Integrity is seen when the student does what he says he will do.
1st Degree Black Belt-- I promise to guard the gift I have received and maintain it with practice. I promise to use discretion when
I pass this gift on to another, and vow never to teach the art of self-defense without also teaching the value of life, the discipline of
self-control, and the self-restraint that must go with it. I pledge to assist others with this skill to help those in need, to defend the life of
the innocent and to not use force unless absolutely necessary and to exercise discernment and self-restraint in the use of the force.
I also promise to continue growing in the integrity, respect, humility, and virtue worthy of this skill.
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Last update: August 21, 2008