budo

Warrior way, Japan

Budo is the Japanese term for martial arts, literally meaning "the way of war." It encompasses disciplines like judo, kendo, aikido, and karate—practices that combine combat techniques with philosophical and spiritual development.

Unlike purely competitive fighting, budo emphasizes self-cultivation, discipline, and moral character alongside physical skill.

training

dojo

Martial arts school

senseiJapanese word for teacher
kataMartial arts movement pattern
danMartial arts proficiency level

sparring · kumite · tori · uke

philosophy

bushido

Samurai honor system

harmonyAgreement or musical blend
respectRegard with honor
honorHigh regard, moral dignity

discipline · integrity · courtesy · self-improvement · perseverance · patience · duty · humility · morality · ethics

disciplines

karate

Japanese unarmed combat discipline

aikidoThrowing art using redirection
iaidoMartial art of drawing swords
jujutsuJapanese unarmed combat system

kenjutsu · sumo · ninjutsu · hapkido

spirituality

zen

Meditative calm

kiVital life energy
meditationFocused attention practice
mindfulnessAwareness of the present

enlightenment · inner peace · satori · dao · chi · breathing · kiai

attire

gi

Martial arts uniform

obiJapanese robe sash
tareUnladen container weight
menAdult male humans

do · tabi · zori

weapons

katana

Curved Japanese fighting blade

boLong wooden weapon
tanto"So much" in scores
yariJapanese bladed pole weapon

sai · nunchaku · kama · wakizashi

Opposites

martial purpose

budoself-defense

Protecting oneself from harm

Krav Maga · street fighting · MMA

competitive orientation

budocombat sports

Regulated physical competition

kickboxing · boxing · MMA · prizefighting

violence and intent

budostreet fighting

Unregulated urban combat

brawling · thuggery · hooliganism · gratuitous violence · brutality

Family

judo, kendo, judoka, judokas

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Rated G