Hitotsu. Jinkaku Kansei ni Tsutomuro Koto.
One. Seek Perfection of Character

Hitotsu. Makoto no Michi wo Mamoru Koto.
One. Defend the Path of Truth

Hitotsu. Doryoku no Seishin o Yashinau Koto.
One. Strive to Excel

Hitotsu. Reigi o Omonzuru Koto.
One. Be Courteous

Hitotsu. Kekki no Yu o Imashimuru Koto.
One. Refrain from Violence

As you read the kun you should notice something. Each line begins with the number 1. Why? Why not 1, 2, 3, etc.? Well, Funakoshi sensei felt that no item of the kun was any more important than another. Therefore, each item was number 1. Get it?

You should read and study the kun. As you do, you will come to understand it better each and every time you read it.