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British Martial Arts Federation |
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What is Bushido? |
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What is Bushido? |
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Bu-Martial / Military Shi-Master Do-Way
Bushi-Warrior (Military Master/Knight) Bushido-The way of the warrior.
The implication of the term is that the lifestyle of Bushido is the mastery of military discipline and disciplines.
The Samurai (meaning Servant or To Serve) lived in a time where they could be called to battle or engaged in a duel at any time. In order to seek clarity and peace in what could be described as turbulent times the samurai would refine their bodies, minds and spirits to the best they could be. Since many became Buddhist there was also a concern for reincarnation. Every waking moment of a Samurai’s life was invested in self improvement, serving others and to the perfection of character. This meant making their body tough and forging their life to the shape of their will. Knowing you could be killed at any moment could leave many people stressed, but the samurai spent long portions of time (usually daily when duty permitted) in meditation, both to reflect on life and the world, and on combat, since contemplation could be inspirational.
This led to not just Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Karate-Do, and other traditional combat disciplines, but also to the meditative combat discipline of Tai-Ki Jutsu (the discipline of body and spirit, at first physically resembling T’ai Chi), flower arranging, poetry and Kyudo (Zen Archery).
Samurai created and evolved stress relief to compliment their lifestyles and training to overcome the Sanjin (Three battles; mind, body & spirit). This was both painful and peaceful. A true paradox for a time when simplicity was never as simple as it first appeared and etiquette and honour were values achieved, not just aspired to.
The Ethos and Code of Bushido is shown in the members’ area.
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