Budo Fight

Budo is a term used commonly to describe Japanese martial arts. Budo itself is not a form of martial arts, but rather, a category. Budo is used to reference “Judo”, “Kendo” and “Iaido”, and many others, all forms of Japanese martial arts.

The words Budo and Bujuts?, are often used synonymously. This assumption is close to the truth, but is not completely accurate. Bujutsu is commonly used to describe old or “classic” martial arts. Specific forms of these classic martial arts are labeled Koryu Bujutsu. These forms include such popular practices as “Jujutsu”, “Kenjutsu” and “Iaijutsu”.

Koryu Bujutsu literally translates to “old-style martial art/science”, while Budo translates to “modern martial way”. New and Old are the basic categories that Japanese martial arts fall into currently, but martial arts enthusiasts often refer to New as Budo, and old as Koryu Bujutsu.

Many Budo arts are not considered the “typical” martial art. Take Aikido for example. Aikido masters are formidable to say the least. They are said to have such power over their opponents, that even masters of aggressive combat arts were dominated by the seemingly weak art of Aikido.

Aikido instructors focus less on blunt force and quick moves, and more on learning your opponent’s ways. By working almost along with your opponent, you can harness his own energy and force, and use it against him. Aikido teaches you to be your own master, and learn about your self before anything else.

Aikido, in comparison to a martial art like Karate, seems almost silly. But true masters of Budo arts are known to be very powerful fighters, and highly respected in the martial arts community. Do not get the wrong impression; Budo practices still teach physical combat, but they tend to be more balanced than aggressive combat arts. Students of Budo martial arts may be asked to truly master themselves, before they even begin learning the art of combat.

Budo practices teach of the power of the mind over the body. The master, or Sensei, will teach his pupils that the power of thought can really change the outcome of a fight, and that working with your opponent, is often the best way to defeat him.

For this reason, Budo is considered by many to be a “civilian” art, as opposed to a military art. What is meant by a civilian art is that Budo is more of a form of self-development and fitness, as opposed to the practical, aggressive nature of a military art, such as Karate. While Budo practices will probably never make it to the cinema, they are still a real combat art forms, as well as dangerous weapons. It is said by many that a true master of Budo could defeat a master of any militaristic martial art.

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