慈道礼

From time to time, I'm asked about the kanji on my karate-dogi and obi. I've written about this a few years ago, but I'll answer with a breakdown/analysis of the Japanese today and some background information.

My name in Kanji is: 慈道礼 (On Dou Rei)

The background of this kanji is as follows: 

心に道を刻み

道を貫き礼を尊ぶ

和の心

Please allow me to translate into English:

“Engrave the Way (Dō) in your heart. Follow the Way with perseverance. Honor courtesy, The spirit of harmony.”

Breakdown:

• 心に道を刻み — “Engrave the Way in your heart.”
  (心 = heart/mind, 道 = the Way, 刻み = to engrave)

• 道を貫き礼を尊ぶ — “Persevere in the Way and honor courtesy.”
  (貫く = to carry through, 礼 = courtesy/etiquette, 尊ぶ = to value/respect)

• 和の心 — “The spirit of harmony.”
  (和 = harmony/peace, 心 = heart/spirit)

Background:

My late teacher 

ASAI TETSUHIKO SHUSEKI-SHIHAN

押忍!! 

 © André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2025).