Budo Warrior

Budo is typically defined as the Study of the “War Way” or the “Martial Way”.  It is a Japanese concept or philosophy that has been put into practice by several Japanese martial art systems.  Two examples of systems that are based on budo are Judo and Aikido.  The goal of budo is mastery of self.  There are no external enemies in budo, only an internal one, ego.  It is believed that through rigorous study of budo, that one can achieve the goal of self mastery, and utimately happiness through the conquering of ego. Budo is based on Seven tenants.  They are:

1. Yuki (Valor)

2. Jin (Benevolence) 

3. Gi (Rectitude)

4, Rei (Etiquette)

5. Makoto (Truth)

6. Chugi (Loyality)

7.Meiyo (Honor)

Systems such as Aikido and Judo, as budo,  are concerned with mastery of self, and are therefore, secondarily concerned with external factors such as self defense, or fighting opponents, or being martially effective.  It creates a paradox as the practice must somehow maintain it’s martial roots and be true in it’s aim as a martial art, yet how do you maintain such a system if you are no longer concerned about external enemies, or martial effectiveness?

It is challenge to maintain martial relevancy, and it is all too easy to lose focus in day to day practice if we do not have a good methodology for ensuring we hold ourselves accountable.  I suspect in many dojo’s and schools it has in deed been somewhat lost.  The trick is to practice realistically and martially, adhering to the tenants of budo.  If we can stay focused on our endstate of mastery of self and adhere to the tenants of budo, then we can be free to explore a wide range of martial activities such as competitions, and non-compliance, and use of force, in a correct and appropriate way.  

The key to budo is making sure we are being honest and true to ourselves and our partners.  Again, the tough part is doing just that as we may not know exactly what right looks like, and right may come in many shapes, sizes, and practices!