Bushido values can still be seen today in modern Japan. After the time of the samurai, the Japanese kamikaze pilots used the samurai and their code for inspiration. The term “kamikaze” means “divine winds”. The Japanese believed that the thunderstorms and the typhoon that deterred the Mongol invasions against Japan in the 11th century were in fact, divine winds sent by the gods to protect their country. The Japanese believed that these kamikaze pilots were also sent from the gods to protect Japan. Just like the samurai, kamikaze pilots had no fear of death, and were honorable men that were loyal to their country.
In modern Japan, bushido values are still alive. The Japanese have the utmost respect and loyalty to their country and families. They would do nothing to shame or dishonor them.
Kendo and Iaido
The warrior way is also still observed in many of the martial arts of today. Not only the moral values of the code, but some of the traditional samurai warrior budo are still practiced. Kenjutsu or Kendo is a great example of these. Kendo or “way of the sword” is the martial arts of Japanese fencing. The Kendoka, or Kenshi, meaning “swordsman” wear tradition style clothing and protective armor. Kendoku use one (sometimes two) bamboo swords called shinai. Kendo training embodies the essence of Japanese fighting arts. Currently, there are around 8 million people world wide that practice Kendo.
Another example of bushido influenced martial arts is Iaido. This art is truly that, an art. The art of drawing the sword, to be precise. It is the way of mental presence and immediate reaction. Practitioners use smooth, controlled movements to draw the sword from its scabbard, striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade, and then replacing the sword to it’s sheath.
The Fighting Arts
Most all forms of “fighting” martial arts teach and practice the bushido code, or a value system that resembles it closely. It is the duty of the Sensei/Sifu or “teacher” to instill the values of honor, respect, etiquette and tradition in his/or her student. The school for training in the martial arts is called a dojo. The new student gets his first lesson of honor and respect when first entering the dojo. To show respect, he/she must bow upon entering and exiting this sacred place. From there the student is taught to respect his teacher, fellow students, self, and members of society in general. The student is taught the importance of honor and etiquette. A student should carry these ideas into their daily life, for they represent their dojo as well as their families. These are just a few of the old codes that have an impact on today’s martial artist. They are just as important, if not more so, than the physical training they endure. Although many of the arts practice a code of conduct, many teachers and establishments have left traditionalism behind. This is unfortunate, for we need manners today more than ever. This is not where we make a Mc'Dojo’s crack. Some franchised schools are still teaching traditional conduct. I know, I’ve been there. It would be bad etiquette to bash any one form of establishment, or idea. Not to mention narrow minded and rude…not the “way of the warrior”!
Bushido and our troops
The code is not exclusive to Japan and the martial arts. In the 1990’s the United States Army officially adopted a similar code of conduct referred to as the “7 Army Core Values”. They now teach them as basic warrior traits. These traits are as followed:
Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage.
There are seven, just as there were seven fundamental codes of the samurai. One resembling the other.
Bushido and YOU!
So as you can see, by way of our soldiers, the martial arts, and the Japanese culture, bushido is alive today just as it was in feudal Japan. There is a warrior within us all. Living life like the Bushi, is up to you. These values are core ideas in everything from the workplace to religion. If practiced, there is nothing more rewarding than the self esteem these principles can produce. |
