Bushido, Martial Arts Styles and Types

What is Bushido and its impact on different types of martial arts and martial arts styles.

The term Bushido makes reference to the moral code that expanded among the samurai, or Japan's military class.

This type of martial arts is based upon national tradition which was influenced by Confucianism and Zen. The first use of this art probably took place during the 16th century's civil war period. The exact content varied historically as the standards of the samurai evolved.

The one ideal that was unchanging with it was its martial spirit which included military and athletic skills and also they fearlessly faced the enemy when they engaged in battle.

Some of the highly regarded qualities of the warrior were honesty, frugal living, and kindness. Another requirement of the Bushido was filial piety. However, since this began in the feudal system, it also carried the meaning that the supreme honor of the martial art was to serve his lord until death.

By the middle of the 1800's, the standards of the the art became a strict code of honor which affected areas of life and death. The emphasis that Soko placed upon the second virtue of righteousness was interpreted by him as "duty" or "obligation".

Obedience to authority was always stressed but to these artists the duty always took first place even if it meant violating the law. In this case, the true samurai proved his sincerity and expiated his crime against the government by committing suicide.

Standards became the general ideal by the mid-19th century. After the samurai class was legally abolished in 1871, this brought the standards of the art more of an impact on the entire nation.

As far as the public educational system goes, the emperor replaced the feudal lord as the main object of sacrifice and loyalty, and ethical training was handed over to the people.

Therefore, this martial art made a contribution to Japanese nationalism as well as to the strengthening of civilian morale during wartime up to 1945.

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