BUSHIDO and BUDO are two fundamental concepts in the study of Japanese martial arts, but they represent different aspects of the martial tradition.
- BUSHIDO, which translates to "Way of the Warrior," is a code of conduct that governed the Samurai, or Bushi (warrior), class of premodern Japan. The term Bushido was not used until the 16th century, but the idea of the code developed during the Kamakura period (1192–1333). It includes moral precepts and was geared towards developing military administrators, professional armies, and elite soldiers.
Bushido is often associated with virtues such as loyalty, honor, and cleanliness.
- On the other hand, BUDO, which translates to "Martial Way," is the application of samurai knowledge as a way to improve one's life and the life of others. Budo is a more modern concept that emerged after the Meiji Restoration (1868) and is a code of moral principles studied through martial training and applied in all aspects of life.
It is about developing a strong and healthy body, greater self-discipline, and a character that interacts with the world in a constructive manner.
Budo is not strictly about martial skills but implies a way of life.
In essence, while Bushido is the code of conduct that martial arts practitioners subscribe to, Budo is the lifestyle they adopt while learning the martial way.
At Contact Kicks Martial Arts we are practicing BUDO - Karate as a Way of Life.
Osu!
