The Bushido Code and Modern Martial Arts
Did you know that the Japanese Samurai warriors followed a code of conduct called Bushido? Did you also know that even today this Bushido Code Influences Modern Martial Arts though Discipline and Training?
Most modern martial arts heavily emphasize discipline and rigorous training, reflecting the Bushido value of self-discipline.
Students here at Strickland’s Martial Arts are expected to dedicate themselves to continuous improvement, mirroring the samurai's lifelong commitment to mastery. While Bushido originated in a specific historical and cultural context, its principles continue to influence modern martial arts and various aspects of contemporary life.
The Bushido code emphasized eight virtues that you can follow even today and live by.
What Does Bushido Mean?
The term Bushido originates from Japanese roots “Bushi” meaning “warrior” and “do,” meaning “path” or “way.” So Bushido means “way of the warrior.” It is also known as “The Samurai Code of Chivalry.”
What is The Bushido Code?
The Bushido code is a set of rules that Samurai warriors followed during the eighth century till modern times. The laws of Bushido focus on honor, courage, skill, and loyalty above everything. The tenets of Bushido were formed for the first time into law under the Tokugawa Shogunate in feudal Japan.
Bushido rules are principles that explain how warriors should balance their lives through justice, courage, mercy, respect, honesty, honor, loyalty, and self-control.
Here are the eight virtues of Bushido as practiced by the Samurai:
1. Justice or Rectitude
Rectitude typically refers to moral integrity—that is, to “straightness” or “rightness” of character. It is the strength of acting with reasons.
After feudalism weakened and peace prevailed, warriors moved toward gentle arts. Even then, a man of rectitude was more prestigious than any other who has learned any skill. For a samurai, it’s a must to have.
Acting in a morally upright manner are an imprortant part of martial arts training, “Gi “(Rectitude).
2. Courage
Courage is a virtue only if it is practiced in the path of righteousness. Samurai believe in two main concepts: bravery and courage. According to them, through training and exercise, we can emulate these among youth. In his Analects, Confucius says, “Perceiving what is right and doing it not, reveals a lack of Courage.” Simply, it means doing things that seem right.
Martial Arts training instills the courage to face challenges and adversity, reflecting "Yu" (Courage).
3. Mercy
Mercy or Benevolence is one of the highest regarded bushido tenets. Samurai possess physical and legal power. Instead of exercising power, they should show mercy and benevolence. Love, care, sympathy, and pity are some traits that a Samurai must look after. Confucius and Mencius often said, “Benevolence is the highest requirement any rule can ever have.”
Many martial arts schools engage in community service and promote helping others, embodying "Jin" (Benevolence).
4. Respect or Politeness
Respect in its highest form symbolizes love. It is one of the typical virtue of the Japanese that means acknowledging others’ beliefs and values. It is a sincere effort to display concern for others. One must be polite and courteous towards the feelings of others. A true warrior should be respected by not only his battle strength but also his code of conduct.
Bowing and other forms of respect are integral parts of martial arts practice, such as in Karate and Taekwondo.
These practices are rooted in the Bushido principle of "Rei" (Respect).
5. Honesty
Honesty means sincerity and trust. Samurais were very honest in their dealings. They never wrote or signed any written contracts in their lives, which proves their honesty. They remained true to their words. They believe honesty develops integrity in the true sense of character.
Being sincere and truthful are an important tenet in martial arts, “Makoto” (Honesty)
6. Honor
The Samurai code of honor symbolizes dignity and worth for their warriors. Samurais, in the name of honor, can take their own lives, i.e., seppuku. The virtue of honor was reputation and praise.
Martial artist students are taught to uphold integrity both in and out of the dojo, in line with Honor and Honesty, “Meiyo” (Honor).
Competitive martial arts tournaments stress fair play and honorable sportsmanship.
7. Loyalty
Loyalty is the dominant feature of Samurai. It was a paramount virtue seen during the feudal period – to remain loyal and dutiful to their superiors. Bushido believes that since the individuals belong to their state, they should be loyal to them. And are always ready to live and die for its legitimate authority.
Remaining faithful and dedicated to ones self, practice, dojo, and instructor are important in martial arts, “Chugi” (Loyalty):
8. Character or Self-Control Character means to develop a strong control over your emotions. This virtue teaches you to live your life as per moral standards. Understand what’s right and what’s wrong, and what’s the difference between good and bad.
Learning the ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses through martial arts training, “Kyarakutā” (Character)”
Bushido in Contemporary Life
The Bushido code, though ancient, continues to have a significant impact on modern martial arts and various facets of contemporary society. Its emphasis on discipline, respect, honor, and loyalty resonates with people across different cultures, promoting values that transcend the historical context of the samurai. As martial arts continue to evolve, the timeless principles of Bushido remain a guiding force in schools like ours, ensuring that the spirit of the warrior endures in modern practice and daily life.
