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Budō and Kyokushin
Budō (武道

(http://the-martial-
way.com/wp-
content/uploads/2017/04/budo.png)
BUDŌ

(https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E6%AD%A6%E9%81%93)) is a Japanese
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language) term describing
modern Japanese martial arts. Literally translated it means the “Martial
Way“. Budō is a compound of the root bu (武
(https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E6%AD%A6)), meaning “war” or
“martial”; and dō (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8D_(philosophy)) (道
(https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E9%81%93)) – Dao (http://the-martial-
way.com/why-we-have-been-pronouncing-peking-duck-wrong-
forever/) in Chinese – sometimes spelled tao), meaning “path” or “way”.

Japanese martial arts are divided into two separate and very distinct
categories; Bujutsu and Budō.
Similarly to budō, bujutsu is a compound of the roots bu (武), and jutsu (術),
meaning technique. Thus, bujutsu is translated as “science of war” or
“martial craft.”

Budo and bujutsu have quite a delicate difference; whereas bujutsu only
gives attention to the physical part of fighting (how to best defeat an
enemy), budo also gives attention to the mind and how one should develop
oneself.

Bujutsu is the original of the two, for lack of a

better word, and are quite literally the “martial
arts” of Japan, with the goal being the absolute
effective application of fighting techniques in
combat.

Budō is the newer of the two categories and

traditionally there is no budo form of an art
without its bujutsu parent. Examples, Judo and
Jujutsu, Kendo and Kenjutsu, Aikido and (http://the-martial-
Aikijujutsu, etc. way.com/wp-
content/uploads/2017/04/bujutsu.gif)
The budo are literally the “martial ways” of the
BUJUTSU
Japanese fighting arts. The budo or martial
ways, in contrast to bujutsu, are less concerned with practical and realistic
application of techniques in the modern age, but much more focused on
the perfection of the moral fiber of the individual budo student.

In essence, the goal is to translate what the student learns in the dojo and
apply it to everyday life. One famous statement by Karate master, Sensei
Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate-do, summarizes the budo ideal
clearly, “The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the
perfection of the character of its participants.” (http://the-martial-
way.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/samurai.png)
The martial arts historian, Donn
Draeger, stated “Budo is concerned
with self-perfection and Bujutsu is
concerned with self-protection.”

To a degree this is simplifying the

differences in approach, but it
clearly separates the two
categories.

The goal of bujutsu is not by any means the perfection of character but
rather preparing the warrior for the eventuality and reality of real life
combat with the correct technique being the difference between life and
death.

A modern example might be soldier. The modern solider isn’t learning how
to use an assault rifle for the perfection of character, he is learning how to
use the weapon for combat – this is how training is approached in classical
bujutsu. (http://the-martial-
way.com/wp-

content/uploads/2017/04/duel.jpg)

During 1600 to 1850, and beginning with the battle of Sekigahara, gave
control of Japan to the Tokugawa Bakufu. After four centuries of bloody
civil wars between various Daimyo and their Samurai, a long period of
peace was to follow. This led to Bujutsu, the classical martial arts practiced
by the Samurai during peace. While there was no enemy during the
peacetime, the Samurai would continue honing their martial skills by
practicing in the dojo.

In the 17th century we see the emergence and rapid spread of the Ryu-ha,
or schools of martial arts, and the seeds of Budō are planted and
established. In Kenjutsu alone, there was said to be five hundred different
schools. The emphasis was on Kenjutsu or swordmanship as the Samurai
was expected to carry a katana at all times when in public.  Kenjutsu
practice was carried out with the Bokuto or wooden sword.

As we approach mid 19th century and the modernization of Japan starts to

take hold with the dawn of the Meiji restoration, we saw Martial
technique, or Bujutsu, transform into modern Budō. (http://the-martial-
way.com/wp-

content/uploads/2017/04/samurai2.jpg)

Budō is not only about learning about and training in the martial
techniques, but it has been developed as a method of practicing and
tempering the mind and the body in accordance with the teachings of the
unity of spirit and technique, and of cultivating etiquette. Budō does not
only focus on physical strength, but it also focuses on self-control and
discipline.
Mas Oyama and Budō
Sosai (founder) Masutatsu ‘Mas’ Oyama was heavily influenced by
his Goju-ryu Karate teacher, Nei-chu So, a fellow native countryman of the
teenage Yeong-eui Choi (Masutatsu Ōyama).

The defeat of Japan and

the subsequent indignity
of Occupation almost
proved to be too much for
Mas Oyama, who nearly
despaired. Nei-chu So
encouraged Mas Oyama to
dedicate his life to Budo,
the Martial Way. It was he (http://the-martial-way.com/wp-
who suggested that content/uploads/2017/04/Oyama-
Oyama should retreat 1955.jpg)
away from the rest of the OYAMA 1955

world for 3 years while

training his mind and body.

Oyama also met Eji Yoshikawa (http://amzn.to/2j53faS), author of the

book ‘Musashi (http://amzn.to/2j53faS)’, a fictionalized account of the life
of Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s most famous samurai warrior. Thanks to
this book and the writer, Mas Oyama began to understand the profound
meanings of the Samurai Bushido Code, and ultimately shapes his own
philosophy on martial arts.

Oyama became heavily influenced by the great swordsmen Miyamoto

Musashi (1584 – June 13, 1645), founder of the Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hy%C5%8Dh%C5%8D_Niten_Ichi-
ry%C5%AB) or Niten-ryū style of swordsmanship and in his fin (http://the-
martial-way.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/oyamadojo.jpg)al years
authored The Book of Five
Rings
(https://amzn.to/2Ixrw2c) (五
輪の書 Go Rin no Sho), a
book on strategy, tactics,
and philosophy that is still
studied today.

Influenced by Nei-chu So, the writing of Yoshikawa, and Musashi’s works,

Mas Oyama decided to withdraw from social life and live in solitude for a
period of 3 years and dedicate his time completely to the intense training
of body and mind, as Musashi did in his lifetime. Oyama traveled to Minobu
mountain, the same place where Musashi created Nito-ryu kenjitsu. Mas
Oyama was only 23 years old at the time. In his opinion this would be the
perfect place to start his severe training of body and mind that he had
planned for himself.

After returning to civiliation Oyama stated that “traditional karate” is non-

contact and while at it s peak of recognition, Oyama claimed that the true
way of Budo Karate was in the actual physical contact.

The philosophy of budo is

evident in the name that
Mas Oyama chose for his
karate style, Kyokushin,
which means “Ultimate
Truth”. It is also reflected (http://the-martial-way.com/wp-
in the Dojo Kun and in the content/uploads/2017/04/Mas-Oyamas-
Spirit of Osu (http://the- first-Tokyo-dojo-1960.jpg)
martial-way.com/history- MAS OYAMA’S FIRST TOKYO DOJO – 1960

of-osu-oss/).
The Spirit of Kyokushin emanates from the Budo axiom,
“One thousand days of training completes a beginner. 
Ten thousand days of training begins the mastery of the art.”  (http://the-
martial-way.com/wp-

content/uploads/2017/04/oyama.jpeg)

The training to find the Ultimate Truth is a rigorous and never-ending

process for the practitioner.
It is a life long dedication to the Kyokushin Way.

The greeting OSU (http://the-martial-way.com/history-of-osu-oss/) used

in Kyokushin resonates humility, gratitude, perseverance and above all,
respect for one another.

Mas Oyama summed up his entire martial arts philosophy in eleven

mottos, known as the Zayu no Mei Juichi Kajo, which are central to his
teaching:

Zayu no Mei Juichi Kajo

座右の銘十一個条 – Eleven Mottos of Kyokushin

1. The Martial Way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be

properly and genuinely courteous at all times.
 2. Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff – continue upwards
without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering devotion to the task
at hand.
3. Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against
actions stemming from selfish animosity or thoughtlessness.
4. Even for the Martial Artist, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet
one should be careful never to become attached to it.
5. The Martial Way is centred in posture. Strive to maintain correct
posture at all times.
6. The Martial Way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after
ten thousand days of training.
7. In the Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see
contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to improve.
8. The nature and purpose of the Martial Way is universal. All selfish
desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of hard training.
9. The Martial Arts begin with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines
stem from this principle.
10. The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realized through
experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its demands.
11. Always remember, in the Martial Arts the rewards of a confident and
grateful heart are truly abundant.

“Although it is important to study and train for skill in techniques, for the
man who wishes to truly accomplish the way of Budo, it is important to
make his whole life in training and therefore not aiming for skill and
strength alone, but also for spiritual attainment.” ~Mas Oyama (http://the-
martial-way.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/mas-oyama.jpeg)

“Always remember that the true meaning of Budo is that soft overcomes hard,
small overcomes large.” ~Mas Oyama
“For a long time, I have
emphasized that karate
is Budo, and if the Budo is
removed from karate, it is
nothing more than sport
karate, show karate or even
fashion karate – the idea of
training merely to be
fashionable.

Karate that has discarded Budo has no substance.  It is nothing more than a

barbaric method of fighting or a promotional tool for the purpose of profit.  No
matter how popular it becomes, it is meaningless.” ~Mas Oyama

 Mas Oyama’s Dojo Kun

(oath)
道場訓

一、 吾々は心身を錬磨し確固不抜の心技を極めること

We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm unshaking spirit.

一、 吾々は武の神髄を極め機に発し感に敏になること

We will pursue the true meaning of the martial way, so that in time, our
senses may be alert.

一、 吾々は質実剛健を以て克己の精神を函養すること
 With true vigor, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self denial.

一、 吾々は礼節を重んじ長上を敬し粗暴の振舞ひを慎しむこと

We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors, and refrain
from violence.

一、 吾々は神仏を尊び謙譲の美徳を忘れざること

We will follow our religious principles, and never forget the true virtue of
humility.

一、 吾々は知性と体力とを向上させ事に臨んで過たざること

We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires.

一、 吾々は生涯の修行を空手の道に通じ極真の道を全うすること

All our lives, through the discipline of karate, we will seek to fulfill the true
meaning of the Kyokushin way.

OSU!

Comments
15
 mathieu
APRIL 19, 2017 AT 2:56 PM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-WAY.COM/BUDO-
AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2614)

very instructive. Never stop. Thanks! Osu

Reply

Scott
post APRIL 19, 2017 AT 3:05 PM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-WAY.COM/BUDO-
author AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2615)

Thank you Mathieu! OSU!

Reply

Max
APRIL 19, 2017 AT 3:20 PM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-WAY.COM/BUDO-
AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2616)

Good job. You have added new elements to my knowledge of

Kyokushin way. Thank you .

Reply

Scott
post
author
 APRIL 19, 2017 AT 6:16 PM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-WAY.COM/BUDO-
AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2619)

Thank you so much Max! OSU!

Reply

Mihai Cotop
APRIL 19, 2017 AT 3:25 PM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-WAY.COM/BUDO-
AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2617)

Thanks for the history lesson. It’s hard to do all this research
and build a meaningful article like this! Osu Scott!!

Reply

Scott
post APRIL 19, 2017 AT 6:16 PM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-WAY.COM/BUDO-
author AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2620)

Thank you so much Mihai my friend! And thank you for your
kind words , friendship and inspiring me. OSU!

Reply

Baker El-Hoseiny
APRIL 19, 2017 AT 4:24 PM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-WAY.COM/BUDO-
AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2618)
 Very much appreciate all your efforts. It is up to all of us
Kyokushin karate ka to live by and in doing so preserving Sosai’s
legacy. Osu!

Reply

Scott
post APRIL 19, 2017 AT 6:18 PM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-WAY.COM/BUDO-
author AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2621)

Thank you very much Senpai Baker! It is people like you that
inspire me to keep it up. Both the writing and training. OSU!

Reply

Gaetan Sauve
(http://www.autodefensepsychoverbale.com)
APRIL 19, 2017 AT 11:36 PM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-
WAY.COM/BUDO-AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2624)

Congratulation. Good article as always Scott. I like the way you

write. Osu!

Reply

Scott
post APRIL 20, 2017 AT 7:52 AM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-WAY.COM/BUDO-
author AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2628)
 Thank you so much for your compliment Gaetan! Thank you for
reading. OSU!

Reply

Sensei Dennis Harris 4th Dan

APRIL 20, 2017 AT 6:44 AM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-WAY.COM/BUDO-
AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2626)

I certainly enjoy reading your article’s Scott! When I started

Kyokushinkai Karate back in the 60s, Karate was a mystery to
me, I only new that I love it, and still do. OSU!!!

Reply

Scott
post APRIL 20, 2017 AT 7:53 AM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-WAY.COM/BUDO-
author AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2629)

Thank you so much Sensei Dennis for not only reading, but also
taking the time to leave a comment. I am glad you enjoy my
articles. OSU!

Reply

Ronny
APRIL 26, 2017 AT 8:19 AM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-WAY.COM/BUDO-
AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2668)
 OSU Scot!

This article is really helping me with the question I always asked

myself: how can I explain the difference between karate-do and
karate-sport.

Reply

Scott
post APRIL 26, 2017 AT 8:22 AM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-WAY.COM/BUDO-
author AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-2669)

Thank you so much Ronny for reading and commenting. It

makes me happy to know my ramblings are enjoyed by people.
OSU!

Reply

Alan (http://www.pushknuckles.com/)
AUGUST 26, 2018 AT 8:07 PM (HTTP://THE-MARTIAL-
WAY.COM/BUDO-AND-KYOKUSHIN/#COMMENT-11553)

Osu Scott, your articles are becoming better and better

compared to when you first started. I am glad to see that you
are progressing and us with you, as you share your knowledge
and passion. May I dare say that indeed, you have embodied
Budo Karate. Keep it up.

Reply
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