Martial Arts Code

When I lived in Japan, my three boys attended a martial arts studio where this beautiful code was posted in the Japanese language. I had it translated and kept it on my wall and looked at it every day since 1976. The points are each preceded by #1 as the Martial Arts Master thought they were all equally important to practice, develop and demonstrate in action in one’s life.

Martial Arts Code — from a Master in Japan
The completion of my character:

  1. Create a golden finish to every action I take
  2. Always and forever commit totally to follow the path of TRUTH
  3. Continuously grow and expand SPIRITUALLY
  4. Never forget to have impeccable manners
  5. All these above items I am bound to by my own honor and blood

The Way of the Warrior

Bushido, or “the way of the warrior”, is a code of conduct that guides the samurai (warrior) philosophy, in thought, action and way of life.

The philosophy has evolved over time, however, the principles are still used today to help guide people’s daily lives and provide a focus and direction regarding how we should view ourselves, the world around us and our place within it.

Bushido places an emphasis on sincerity, frugality, loyalty, patience, and honor. It was a code of ethics.

The Seven Virtues of Bushido

GI 義 — Integrity. Be acutely honest throughout your dealings with all people. Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself. To the true warrior, all points of view are deeply considered regarding honesty, justice and integrity. Warriors make a full commitment to their decisions.

REI 礼 — Respect. True warriors have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. Warriors are courteous even to their enemies. Warriors are not only respected for their strength in battle, but also by their dealings with others. The true strength of a warrior becomes apparent during difficult times.

YU 勇 — Heroic Courage. Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. A true warrior must have heroic courage. It is absolutely risky. It is living life completely, fully, and wonderfully. Heroic courage is not blind. It is intelligent and strong.

MEIYO 名誉 — Honor. Warriors have only one judge of honor and character, and this is themselves. Decisions they make and how these decisions are carried out is a reflection of whom they truly are. You cannot hide from yourself.

JIN 仁 — Compassion. Through intense training and hard work the true warrior becomes quick and strong. They are not as most people. They develop a power that must be used for good. They have compassion. They help their fellow man at every opportunity. If an opportunity does not arise, they go out of their way to find one.

MAKOTO 誠 — Honesty and Sincerity. When warriors say that they will perform an action, it is as good as done. Nothing will stop them from completing what they say they will do. They do not have to “give their word.” They do not have to “promise.” Speaking and doing are the same action.

CHU 忠義 — Duty and Loyalty. Warriors are responsible for everything that they have done and everything that they have said, and all of the consequences that follow. They are immensely loyal to all of those in their care. To everyone that they are responsible for, they remain fiercely true.

“The art of peace does not rely on weapons or brute force to succeed; instead, we put ourselves in tune with the universe, maintain peace in our own realms, nurture life, and prevent death and destruction.”— Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace