Black Belt Code of Behaviour

Each person on this earth lives by your own Code of Behaviour whether you realize it or not. The good news is that you don’t have to be a Black Belt or a Samurai to develop your own personal code.

My first Sensei whom I started training Aikido under over 18 years ago had very strict standards when training in his dojo (Japanese for school or training hall). Among the various rules, I will never forget the code or oath that he required all students to agree to accepting before he would test you for your black belt. If you could not agree to the code of behaviour, he would not test you.

My Black Belt Code of Behaviour:

“First as a student, then as a teacher, I shall always honour the principles and techniques I was trained by and never do anything to dishonour my teacher or the dojo.”

Even 18 years later, I always use this as a code of my martial training and application to daily life and business. My Code of Behaviour reminds me that I am always a student and a life long learner. Someone around me can always be my teacher and show me how to do things and experience more of life. Secondly, when I have the privilege of teaching others, it is my duty to be genuine, fair and truthful in how I teach and train others. Lastly… honour… honour in everything I do, otherwise life is meaningless.

What is Your Code of Behaviour?

Some people may mistake this to be a vision or mission statement. But it is much more than that. Your Code of Behaviour cuts through all the layers of complexity of who you choose to present to the world. When you establish a strong personal code, it begins to guide your decision making power. Your ability to make quick & calculated decisions will in turn positively impact your leadership and business growth strategy.

All Samurai live by a Code of Behaviour called Bushido. Bushido can be translated as the “Way of the Warrior”. Many scholars cite that Bushido has been around since 221 BC. How is it that such a Code of Behaviour could be transmuted throughout the ages until today?

The reason is that Bushido is simple and easy to understand. Each member of the Samurai passed this along generation to generation through acts of leadership by living out the code rather than telling others how to live by the code.

7 Virtues of Bushido

Rectitude
Courage
Benevolence
Respect
Honesty
Honour
Loyalty

What values or virtues exist in your personal Code of Behaviour? Don’t have your own code yet?

Develop Your Code of Behaviour

In order to develop your own code, I suggest you consider values that cause you to be something specific. In today’s terms, this might mean statements such as:

Be early

Be kind

Be profitable

Be honest

Be excellent

I encourage you to compile your own list of 3-7 elements that will comprise of your own Code of Behaviour. If your business is lacking today, what is the code of your business? Is it something that all your leaders and employees easily transmute and convey to each other by living and breathing it each day?

Please share your Code of Behaviour below in the comments section. Don’t be shy.

Domo Arigato

About the Author Shane Fielder

I am a grower of human capability and a business builder. The best part of my life is helping people become stronger and develop their skills, talents and character in order to lead powerful lives. I have had the great privilege to study under some of the greatest minds of business, leadership, health and fitness along with the most talented Martial Arts instructors. My passion is helping people to become even more powerful in life than they already are.