Introduction to Bu Jin News

By Hiroshi Ikeda
with translation assistance from Jun Akiyama

The various forms of budo that originated in Japan have been admired greatly for their mysteries in the past. Currently, a great many people in countries around the world are undertaking the challenge to train in these "divine" techniques and follow these spiritual paths, training rigorously to understand and to become accomplished in budo. Beginning with karate and jujutsu, many other budo including aikido, kendo, and iaido have flowed into different countries and have become known all around the world.

What does one find attractive in budo? The artistic thoughts expressed through austere and regal movements. The spirituality of bushido, the way of the warrior. The pursuit of the soul. The search for meditation. Enlightenment (satori), the state of no-self (mushin). Virtues, mindful presence, breath (kokyu), and center. All of these can be seen in budo. Unlike everyday sports and sport-like martial arts that emphasize competition, budo and bushido offer something to people that is different - a basis of thought.

Budo is a way in which to connect with the spirit and soul of bushido. As written in the Hagakure, "The way of the warrior is finding death." The decision to step toward the state of no-self (mu) is fundamental, very similar to entering the realm of enlightenment. In undertaking this path, the aim becomes not to be the victor over other people but to tame and win over oneself.

This state of no-self, of no deception about oneself, may be found by putting oneself onto the path of budo. This state of no-self will beget thoughtful consideration and mindful presence (yushin). Just like a beam of light traveling through space without being interrupted nor swayed, one's settled spirit and true heart becomes realized. When one's being becomes one with the movement of the world, one becomes an imperturbable being. This not only includes the techniques for preserving oneself from harm but also for enveloping and taking responsibility for another's well-being. By embodying these techniques, one walks down a path free from enemies.

In the path of the sword, this is called "katsujinken," the sword that saves and preserves lives. Katsujinken creates a far different person than the one who pursues "satsujinken" (the sword that kills). The difference between the two and the path leading to the former is the soul and true meaning of bushido and the spirit of budo.

To accomplish such a path requires discipline and dedication as well as being able to defeat oneself. The founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, called this "agatsu." The act of winning over someone else without fighting he called "masakatsu."

We human beings are weak beings. It is our nature to be lax with oneself and strict with others. The spirit of budo takes just the opposite approach. We must be strict with ourselves while developing the heart to protect others - while developing the ability, both in technique and in spirit, to douse the violence in another person without harming them. This is connected to love, a protective spirit, and compassion - the manifestation of the path of the invincible warrior.

With this first issue of Bu Jin Design's electronic newsletter, we wish to create a forum for people undergoing daily training in budo to exchange their thoughts from all over the world. We wish to help people communicate and exchange ideas with each other on their paths of polishing and forging themselves. Moreover, we hope this will enable people to accomplish even a small step toward fulfilling the budo spirit.

Though we can easily talk about Japanese budo in one breath, such a subject includes many different martial arts. Each and every one of these martial paths includes its very own beauty, one that people in other budo can hear, read about, and feel in order to help them understand their own selves. If we are able to present these riches to the younger generation of budoka, then our wishes can not be surpassed.

We at Bu Jin Design have put our hearts and thoughts into bringing quality products to budoka around the world every day for more than 20 years. We have done this in the same manner as we who pursue budo in order that we may share with each other our spirits in the same spirit of "masakatsu" and "agatsu." We believe that following this spirit of cooperation is following the path of budo. It will be our great pleasure to provide an avenue for people to grow and help each other by offering a place for exchanging news and opinions.

We can only hope to bring everyone closer to making the best of ourselves. We hope to encourage the pursuit of developing a self that has no enemies, through the daily practice we all undergo.