B

Baishitsu [媒質]

The characters/ideograms mean "media; medium." The first character means, "mediator; go-between," the second character means, "substance; quality; matter; temperament."

Baishitsu or media, the medium that communicates such as DVD's, Video's, Websites, Blogs, Movies, Television, Radio, Newspapers, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and many, many others. Why is this a martial art term, it is because of its influence on how we practice, train and apply our arts both for life as well as for self-defense. Even in the sportive aspects media has a good deal of influence.

Sensei need to deal with these influence especially in the self-defense department. It is the influences that are not accurate or effective that may affect others in a clinch on the street. The best example is a Marine training example, i.e. during infantry training in the Marine Corps you have to qualify with grenades. This means you have to actually use one and this can be very, very dangerous.

The Marines take you through some rigorous training initially because when you go on the line at the grenade field or course you have to toss a live grenade. The most dangerous part is overcoming the movie syndrome or what we called the John Wayne syndrome. What Marine has not seen the Sands of Iwo Jima and other such movies.

When it came time for some Marines to apply their training they sometimes under the stress of tossing that first grenade pull a John Wayne, i.e. by tossing it properly but instead of dropping completely prone face down with hands interlaced fingers covering the neck underneath the helmet they drop down into a grouch behind the low retaining and protection wall. Stupid, stupid, stupid. The instructor has to grab them and toss them on the ground and cover them for protection as the grenade goes off. You should see the look the instructor gives when they get up for the next grenade toss, you have to toss three of them at a minimum.

The strong instructional discussion conducted before the second grenade usually impresses on the Marine to do it right the next two tosses. This is how media or the movies got some Marines in trouble. Even after all that a Marine who got back from a tour in Viet Nam spoke of a John Wayne where a Marine boot in country actually walked up to a hut made of straw like material and stood to the side at the doorway/opening and tossed in a grenade. When it went off the shrapnel went through the material of the wall and killed him - John Wayne stupid stuff.

Maybe that is why it is coincidental and funny that part of baishitsu actually spells out "shit." bai-shit-su :-), you know, an "oh shit" moment.

Baka-chikara, [馬鹿 力]

The characters/ideograms mean "great physical power; animal strength; stupid crazy person brute strength." The first character means, "horse," the second character means, "deer," the third character means, "power; strength; strong; strain; bear up; exert."

The type of strength that appears strong when viewed and promote a strong body as one would achieve lifting weights but breaks the laws of fundamental principles of martial systems. It drains energy from transference to an adversary to blocking it within the body itself causing energy to drain away before it is useful against an adversary.

This misuse of energy can be seen in kata where persons tend toward exaggeration in many aspects that should remain subtle, hard to perceive except by the proficient. It is an uncontrolled kiai, loud and raucous shout beyond the spirit and technique of kiai. It is an exhibition of muscle-ing it, tightening the muscles in a dynamic tension fashion to give an appearance of strength and power.

It is everything not martial and in direct violation of the fundamental principles of martial systems. It is a demonstration of non-chinkuchi. As assumed to be the essence of Isshinryu and all martial arts it is often lost in translation.

Banpo [万法]

The characters/ideograms mean "fighting techniques; 10,000 methods." The first character means, "ten thousand; 10,000," the second character means, "method; law; rule; principle; model; system."

A term to reference a compilation of many techniques practiced pre-1897 to mean a practice of hand techniques along with practice of karate and bo, i.e. kobudo. It was these types of practices that were merged with training from China to become the modern practice of empty handed and weaponry systems of Okinawa.

This fighting techniques were Okinawan "Ti or Tou-ti" practices that become "China Hand or Karate" and then in the late 1800's and early 1900's became "Empty Hand or Karate."  I theorize that Banpo or Okinawan fighting techniques became Ti and then Naha-ti, Tomari-ti and Shuri-ti and further become Goju-ryu, Shorin-ryu and Uechi-ryu.

This theory and interpretation is open to a lot of questioning and fact checking but is my personal theory.

Benka or Benkai [弁解 ]

It means "personal variations" or justification; rationalization; pretext; explanation; exculpation; defence; defense; excuse and the first character means, "valve; petal; braid; speech; dialect; discrimination; dispose of; distinguish," while the second character means, "unravel; notes; key; explanation; understanding; untie; solve; answer; cancel; absolve; explain,"

To distinguish the key to kata when used in that context. The Benka or Benkai are those personal variations discovered during the polishing, or "ha" stage of practice and development., i.e. shuhari. We adhere to the traditional form in Shu then allow the polishing to find our personal individual variation that works in the "ha" level.

Benkyo [勉強]

The characters/ideograms mean "study; diligence; discount; reduction." The first character means, "exertion; endeavor; encourage; strive; make effort; diligent," the second character means, "strong."

Why do you study karate? It is a good question we all should ask ourselves from time to time. In my question, I mention the word study. I think this is more apropos to the word practice. I don't just practice karate, I tend to study it.

I devote my time and attention to gaining knowledge of martial arts by means of physical practice, mental intuitive effort and by academic study through books, films, blogs, articles, etc. I research to learn, I investigate to understand and I practice to apply it to my body, mind, and spirit. I endeavor, encourage, strive and make diligent efforts to study, benkyo [勉強], the art of Okinawan karate-do.

When I ask myself the question I tend to find that the answer changes yet the core or essence of why remains steadfast and has been so through out my entire life span within the martial art of karate-do studies. I never neglect my study, I work hard at my studies and I endeavor to study while I pass on what I understand to others who may follow the same path as I.

Study means to seek out answers and knowledge yet it also means to not accept the answers as final since they may change due to new knowledge. This is a key, change is inevitable and when it arrives you have to be willing to allow for that change even if it goes directly against what you study, you know and what you believe.

If I has asked why I practice karate then I would be limiting my understanding of karate. Study encompasses practice, it encompasses training, and it encompasses far more than just practice. I guess this is why some use the sound bite that it is a way of life.

A way of life sounds a bit dramatic but if you take the study of martial arts to its full length and breadth then the practice of the physical aspects are present but a part of a greater whole.

It is influential as to how one acts outside of training halls or dojo or what ever you wish to label the place where you study karate. Clarke Sensei mentions about ugly lives outside of the dojo and he is right. I go one step further to say that if your karate studies are not positively influencing how you live life outside then you are missing out on true, realistic self-defense aspects. Many of the more social events that end up in the fight come from a lack of social skills and to practice karate-do fully, to study it to its infinite ways is to lose site of what can benefit you in the most serious of events in life, in a conflict.

I believe that to truly study karate or any traditional/classical martial system you want it, you need it, it must be a part of who you are, not just something you do.

I also believe that today's martial arts would benefit from changing the current mind-set to the full and complete study of the arts to make it your own, to make it a part of you and to remove it from something you do to something you "DO (doe)."

Binsho [敏捷]

The characters/ideograms mean "nimble; prompt; agile; quick; shrewd; smart." The first character means, "cleverness; agile; alert," and the second character means, "victory; fast."

There are many traits that make up a karate-ka and this one speaks to their agility, smarts and intuition (shrewdness) that brings about both speed and success in applying karate techniques. It speaks to either a natural ability for quickness and being sharp yet it also speaks to how a karate-ka can enhance their naturalness through diligence and practice, practice, practice.

Tokumura Kensho Sensei speaks to this in his ten points for kata.

Binwan o furu [敏腕を振るう]

The characters/ideograms mean "to show on'e competence; to demonstrate one's skill." The first character means, "cleverness; agile; alert," the second character means, "arm; ability; talent," the third character means, "shake, wave; wag; swing. The other characters are used to modify the others to give the appropriate meaning to the phrase.

Binwan o furu or competence is not mastery but rather applies to the protective self-defensive model of the martial arts. Reaching for mastery in the martial arts is a way of life but gaining competence, proficiency and efficiency in martial arts or any other means of self-protection/Self-defense is critical.

To master something takes years or repetitive conscious diligent practice and training. To become competent in defensive models is often necessary in shorter periods and requires only a modicum of continued diligent practice to maintain once it is somewhat ingrained or encoded. Competence is gained when the methods are modeled closer to natural ways that humans have.

Binwan o furu, competence, is something to gain for the defensive aspects. This may be perceived as the physical side but in reality competence requires a lot of knowledge, forewarned is forearmed, that is applied during the training of the physical and mental/psychological.

Bogu [防具]

The characters/ideograms mean "guard; protector; defensive armament; personal armor." The first character means, "ward off; defend; protect; resist," the second character means, "tool; utensil; means; possess; ingredients; counter for armor, suits, sets of furniture."

Bogu is training armor used in Kendo. It is also used in Jukendo, Naginatajutsu, and sojutsu. The usual meaning attributed to this term is "protect and defend" and "tool or equipment."

Bogu gear were borrowed by Okinawan karate sensei in the early 1900's, as far as I can determine, to provide protection in kumite or fighting matches. The fighting matches are the precursor to sport tournament competitions. Often Sensei observing these matches would only award recognition of a technique when it was observed to actually be applied correctly and with the type of power that would make it effective.

In today's tournament point system techniques are often not effective as if in a fight or combat. Most often light contact with out the principles being applied would be recognized as a point but not so in the early days on Okinawa. Many a karate-ka would be frustrated that what they applied didn't gain recognition and this fostered more effort.

Bogu is not used today in karate circles since modern equipment to protect from light to medium contact that has no real affect for a real fight makes the need for greater protection moot. It was recently written by a professional at a seminar that when he provide uke a solid police armor, large thick phone book and the understanding the person had good sanchin demonstrated how a whipping punch could be devastating. He hit the person and he went down and was out - unconscious. It this type of power were actually used in today's competitions there would be not to many contestants.

Bogyo kakugo [防御覚悟]

The characters/ideograms mean "defense readiness." The first character means, "ward off; defend; protect; resist," the second character means, "honorable; manipulate; govern," the third character means "memorize; learn; remember; awake; sober up," the fourth character means, "enlightenment; perceive; discern; realize; understand."

Defense readiness, similar to combat readiness, means a practitioner or self-defense practitioner, regardless of whether it is a martial art or other means, is a person who has the full spectrum of knowledge, understanding and training/experiences that provide socially acceptable self-defense.

Defense readiness, or better yet self-defense readiness, is about a certain state of being with the purpose of managing resources and training in preparation for self-defense in a conflict be it either social or asocial in nature.

When you look at defense readiness you have various levels. The highest levels are held by professionals. The mid-level is one where the individual requires the resources to maintain self-protection while living in an environment that exposes them to higher levels of conflict and violence. The low level is one that in most cases the person will live and work in an environment that exposes them to very little conflict and often no violence to speak of except in rare cases, i.e. most often a social type.

What does defense readiness consist of? A complex and in-depth subject that would take up many, many postings. A good source of what it takes to become defense ready is provided at the "no nonsense self defense" web site by Marc MacYoung. http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/

Consider the site as a primer and the bookshelf he provides is an excellent source of further study.

Bojutsu [棒術]

The characters/ideograms mean "bojutsu (art of using a stick as a weapon); cudgels." The first character means, "rod; stick; cane; pole; club; line," the second character means, "art; technique; skill; means; trick; resources; magic."

Bojutsu or skill with a stick or staff usually grouped under the heading or label "kobudo." It can be used to describe a person who has dedicated his efforts and skills to master the art of the bo, staff or stick, i.e. bojutsu-do.

Boryoku [暴力]

The characters/ideograms mean "violence; mayhem." The first character means, "outburst; rave; fret; force; violence; cruelty; outrage," the second character means, "power; strength; strong; strain; bear up; exert."

This term is used to help educate those who wish to be sheep dogs or at the very least to protect themselves and loved ones about violence or boryoku. It is imperative one accept, know and understand what violence is in all its forms. Whether it is social or predatory violence must be understood in order to appropriately apply those strategies and tactics necessary to avoid, evade or overcome violence in all its forms when it rears its ugly head in your life.

Even if the chances of a person ever encountering real violence in their lives is nil or nothing it still means we all have to know it, accept it for what it truly is and then take the appropriate actions to prevent it by education, acceptance and understanding. We have to separate our emotional sides and allow our logical side to find the answers to boryoku, violence.

This term and its meaning are to bring it forward into the light where we can analyze it and expose it for what it truly is so we can combat it effectively or it will eventually come into everyone's life where it will freeze us into immobility and allow it to destroy us. Until then if we continue to ignore it because it is distasteful, disgusting and unacceptable then we are doomed to encounter it in an ineffective way where it will flourish and destroy.

Bu [武] bi [備] shi [録] - [武備録]

The characters/ideograms together don't come up with a definition in my sources. The first character means, "military; warrior; arms; chivalry," the second character means, "preparation; equip; provision," and the third character means, "record."

This is a record or the document that records the warrior or military way of, in the case of karate, civil defensive hand arts or techniques or budo. It has been expressed consistently that a copy of the Chinese version of the bubishi is the source of both the Okinawan version and the source of reference for those brave souls who traveled to China to study the fist fighting system called "Kung or Gung Fu."

The precepts of the civil fighting system of Okinawa, called Ti or Te or Toudi, rests on the basis of contributions of the manual called bubishi and the efforts of those early practitioners.

In modern times it is valuable toward historical traditions but has been exceeded by the efforts over the last fifty or more years of Okinawan, Japanese and Western efforts. The manual is limited in nature and the documentation being developed in today's electronic frontier dwarfs those early but critical efforts to document the art of the fist.

Bubishi [武備志]

The characters/ideograms mean "military provide record." The first character means, "warrior; military; chivalry; arms," the second character means, "equip; provision; preparation," the third character means, "intention; plan; resolve; aspire; motive; hopes; shilling."

The bubishi provides us with the Chinese civil fighting traditions that influenced the Okinawan indigenous fighting system of tou te, toudi or in the Okinawan dialect "Ti." It was a method of documenting and propagating the original means and methods of orthodox Chinese Kung fu or "fist way."

Bu no Michi [武の道]

The characters/ideograms mean "way of martial arts." The first character means, "warrior; military; chivalry; arms," the second is a character that indicates possessive character, the third character means, "road-way; street; district; journey; course; moral; teachings."

When on says they practice a martial art then they say, "bu no michi," to indicate so properly.

Budō no gensoku [武道の原則]

The characters/ideograms mean "martial principles." The first character means, "warrior; military; chivalry; arms," the second character means, "road-way; street; district; journey; course; moral; teachings," the fourth character means, "meadow; original; primitive; field; plain; prairie; tundra; wilderness," the last character means, "rule; follow; based on; model after."

Budo no gensoku means martial principle and refers to the fundamental principles of martial systems as defined by the Book of Martial Power written by Stephen J. Pearlman.

These principles are the foundation and determine the whole of all the parts when push comes to shove. You want your marital arts to work when needed then first and foremost focus heavily on the budo no gensoku, the martial principles.

Budo [武道] Bogyo [防御] Hoshiki [方式]

I use this to describe the western practice of martial arts for self-defense. Although most martial arts training is actually geared toward the sport of martial arts this phrase is meant to focus on the true essence of martial arts - its use as a defense against conflict and violence.

It is very difficult to know what is true martial self defense and what is commercialized promotion for a money earning venture. It is not meant to disparage those who actually earn some money from their efforts but rather to expose to light the more "McDojo" type schools you may find. McDojo is a humorous way to describe the more commercial type of money grubbing money changer types who fleece unsuspecting students of their hard earned dollars.

A martial defense system is one that encompasses all aspects of self-defense, i.e. what occurs leading up to the need for defensive tactics, what occurs during the process within a conflict and what you endure as a result of conflict and violence. It is a nasty process and having knowledge of the entire spectrum that is violence is necessary "before" seeking proper and realistic training.

It is not a sport although it can be enjoyable, even fun, to train, practice and learn. It has a serious side to it and must be taken seriously. It is fun to learn for the perspective of seriousness and fun promote learning.

Finding a qualified martial defense system is not easy and consists of so much you would need a larger and more extensive blog, website or dedicated social networking model to convey all you need to know. The sources are vast and often you have to weed out the chaff to enjoy the wheat. For the person with a strong desire the search is worth the time and effort.

Budo Bunka [武道文化]

The characters/ideograms mean " martial culture." The first character means, "military; warrior; chivalry; arms," the second character means, "road-way; street; district; journey; course; moral; teachings," the third character means, "style; art; plan; literature; sentence," and the fourth character means, "change; take the form of; influence; enchant; delude."

This regards martial cultures. What I mean in this case is the particular culture of the system, style and/or branch of the martial system a person may study. It is comprised of many particulars. First, the culture that brought about the creation and practice of the system, style or branch. This in the case of Isshinryu is the cultural and beliefs of the creator Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei and his Okinawan heritage.

But then it continues as does any lineage. As each practitioner takes on the system, style or branch of martial system they then add their own unique cultural influences that come from their past, i.e. the time in which they live, the influences of other cultural and ethnic exposures, any power relations they experienced with thier Sensei, the perceptions of the person, the sensory input modes, i.e. sight, sound or tactile, then there is the perceptions of the perceptions of those who came before as to the truth and accuracy of facts, and finally the influences of that person's internal and external environments.

This often convoluted make up of martial culture, or budo bunka, makes the study of martial systems challenging. Then take into consideration their pension for reaching past the stage of "Shu" to enter into "ha and ri" where the traditions of those who came before are altered, assimilated and then mutated into something unique for that individual and may influence future generations as it has done with Isshinryu.

Remember that the essence of a system, style or branch should remain intact but the growth is important for longevity.

Budo-ka [武道家]

The characters/ideograms mean "martial artist." The first character means, "warrior; military; chivalry; arms," the second character means, "road-way; street; district; journey; course; moral; teachings," the third character means, "house; home; family; professional; expert; performer."

Bujin-katagi [武人気質]

The characters/ideograms mean, “Martial (military) spirit; the spirit of true warriors.” The first character means, “Warrior; military; chivalry; arms,” the second character means, “person,” the third character means, “spirit; mind; air; atmosphere; mood,” the fourth character means, “substance; quality; matter; temperament.”

Budo no roka [武道の老化]

The characters/ideograms mean "aging in the martial arts." The first character means, "warrior; military; chivalry; arms," the second character means, "road-way; street; district; journey; course; moral; teachings," the fourth character means, "old man; old age; grow old," the fifth character means, "change; take the form of; influence; enchant; delude."

I include this martial arts philosophical terminology or phrase because it not only teaches us about what is needed as we age but also what is important to learn in our youth. A concept that many tend to overshadow with the importance of perceived strength and stature. True strength in my view is strength of body, mind and spirit with emphasis on mind and spirit especially when one reaches the winter years of life.

Age is a funny thing. It it recognition of that process and acceptance of the inevitable that allow those who reach such levels to achieve good things again, again and again regardless of the age or level. Budo no roka should be taught continuously through out a martial art life. It is good to remind ourselves of the natural processes that nature requires of us if we are so lucky to reach the later winter years.

Bu [武] Jinkaku [人格]

The character/ideogram means "the art of war; martial arts; military arts; military force; the sword; valor; bravery; military officer; military man." The character means, "warrior; military; chivalry; arms."

The second character/ideogram means "personality; character; individuality." The first character means, "person," the second character means, "status; rank; capacity; character."

Jinkakusha [人格者]

The characters/ideograms mean "man of character; person." The first character means, "person," the second character means, "status; rank; capacity; character," the third character means, "someone; person."

Bu-jinkaku means a martial personality or a person of martial personality. It refers to the greatest influence a practitioner will encounter when training and practicing a martial system. This includes influences such as that persons belief system and cultural influences not to forget to mention that persons environment in which they experienced martial arts, the time in which this also occurred, and the individual influences of that persons sensei along with their cultural belief system and so on.

These same perceptions and influences will dictate the type of dojo or training hall where practice, teaching and training occur. Martial personality runs deep in each instance regardless of the martial system being taught.

When I make recommendations to a martial arts seeker I tend to explain how they must determine a personality connection to the sensei and dojo as it connects to their own personality but also temper this with the knowledge that lacking a full understanding at a fundamental level what martial arts are and what system of training and teaching are involved will influence the martial personality, i.e. bu-jinkaku, that one finds and experiences.

It becomes a matter of this recommendation or suggestion along with several sources to attain a fundamental knowledge that will help guide the individual toward a match of person to system, dojo and sensei.

Bugei [武芸]

Bugei is defined by the word and the characters/ideograms as "martial arts." The first character means, "warrior; military; chivalry; arms," and the second character means, "technique; art; craft; performance; acting; trick; stunt."

Bugeisha [武芸者]

Bugeisha or bugeishya is defined by the characters/ideograms as "master of martial arts." The first two characters mean the same, of course, as bugei above and the third character means, "someone; person."

Bujutsu [武術]

The two characters/ideograms mean, "the martial arts; Wushu; military arts." The first character means, "warrior; military; chivalry; arms," and the second character means, "art; technique; skill; means; trick; resources; magic."

Bu as it is attached to jutsu or -shi therefore can carry a meaning, depending on the context in which it is used, as military, i.e. Japanese Budo or Military Way, or chivalry, i.e. Okinawan bushi where it means more a gentlemen who practices karate.

Bukkyo [仏教]

The character/ideograms for this means "Buddhism." The first character means, "Buddha; the dead," and the second character means, "teach; faith; doctrine."

This comes as no surprise as to martial practices for the martial arts takes a great deal from the Buddhist belief systems. The traditional culture of Japan also relies heavily on this and the Shinto and Confucian teachings.

"Bukkyo, founded in India in the 5th century B.C., was first made known to the emperor of Japan by a Korean mission in the year 552, through the official introduction of Buddhism into the country is generally given as 538. At the time, all Japanese were "Shintoists," in that Shintoism, the native religion, was the foundation of all public and private rituals of whatever kind. " - Boye LaFayette DeMente

The characteristics associated with this teaching are practical morality, human relations, reverence for our forefathers, worship for sect founders, an emotional view of the world and acceptance of all things as they are.

It also has a huge impact on the practice of Japanese arts and crafts. It is found to drive life-style of Japanese, how they perceive and create apparel and architecture as to landscaping their gardens, and the practice of martial arts, etc.

Some of the arts have become cult like and have survived from the feudal era to present day, i.e. the tea ceremony, flower arranging, the martial arts and many of the annual festivals celebrated in Japan and Okinawa. All of this can find roots deep within the Buddhist teachings.

Bunkai [分解]

The characters/ideograms mean "disassembly; dismantling; disaggregating; analysis; disintegrating; decomposing; degrading." The first character means, "part; minute of time; segment; share; degree; one's lot; duty; understand; know; rate; chances," the second character means, "unravel; notes; key; explanation; understanding; untie; undo; solve; answer; cancel; absolve; explain; minute."

Bunkai means to analyze or disassemble, a term used to describe a process of breaking apart a form to explain the application toward fighting or in more modern times self-defense. It describes the meaning of a movement within the kata and basic techniques, i.e. fundamental technique derived exercises as an introduction toward kata practice and training.

There are not set bunkai for kata but many systems have their own unique fundamental explanations as to applications of each atomistic part of a kata be it a single technique or a combination of techniques. Each individual technique can have one system fundamental meaning but then can contain even more technique types to counter any number of offensive techniques as to offense and/or defense. The fundamental bunkai from a particular system is merely the wedge to open the door to many more.

In the end the goal is to discover the bunkai that builds on and from kata and the pare down or chip away those that don't fit or work for an individual until they have discovered only those bunkai that can and do work for that person especially regarding defense or self-defense. This process is a complete and separate subject all unto itself - beyond mere bunkai.

The goal here regarding kata and bunkai is to have a large volume of tools for self-defense not to ultimately choose from in a self-defense scenario but to have for both teaching others and to chip away for oneself to pare down all those variations, etc. into a set of tools that fit certain instinctual survival driven set that will work when the chemical dumps occur to violence, fear and other factors - self-defense.

The bunkai do not come to an individual all at once. It takes time, effort and due diligence to discover all that are available and then chip away and pare them down to a solid tool box of techniques that work. It is a matter of learning the foundation, building on that and then discovering all variations to make available with a final push to make the remaining tools instinctive and encoded to work with our lizard brain while subduing the monkey brain, etc.

Note: It is believed that bunkai is a new aspect to martial arts yet it is well known among the senior practitioners that bunkai was taught as early as the fifties, i.e. when the first generation American martial artists discovered and began learning Okinawan Karate.

Bunkaisan [文化遺産]

The characters/ideograms mean, "cultural heritage." The first character means, "sentence; literature; style; art; decoration; figures; plan," the second character means, "change; take the form of; influence; enchant; delude," the third character means, "bequeath; leave behind; reserve," the fourth character means, "products; bear; give birth; yield; childbirth; native; property."

Why would cultural heritage be a martial art term and lesson? Heritage is history and cultural heritage is what drove systems and styles to be created and passed down. Our human culture is derived from a long history of violence and how that culture dealt with the violence. Violence is an intricate part of human history and culture for it speaks to nature's violence and how humans survive even in the less violent prone modern times.

The instincts and emotional effects each human has to deal with were part of natures instinctual nature toward survival from the time when humans lived in caves and had to survive predators such as tigers, lions and bears not to forget other ancient animal predators. As time passed and humans spread then various societal type cultures came in contact where survival of one against the others were settled through violence, war, etc.

Understanding those cultural heritages that created the many forms of combat and defenses helps us to understand the origins of various combative systems and that understanding achieves progress as each moment in time is experienced keeping current systems and styles relevant and valid to today's violence.

All tho the principles underlying hand-to-hand change according to the moment don't change the applications and use are governed by the modern cultural beliefs, etc. along with technologies, etc. making for a complexity that must remain fluid and ever relevant to the moment.

Bunka-teki tokusei [文化的特性]

Culture, beliefs and Perceptions drive us and how we create art. In our case the art of martial systems. Art as in what gives us the creativity that manifests itself in a physical form such as martial systems, i.e. karate, aikido, judo, kendo, etc. This aspect born out of the warrior mind-set of the Japanese feudal era as the warrior became less warrior-like toward a system adaptable to all of Japanese society. The changes at the time were necessary to achieve growth and longevity of the budo - all based on culture, beliefs and perceptions of those who came before.

Cultural traits are the cornerstone of any society. These elements feed upon one another for sustenance, growth and acceptability. The elements that make up what we call a culture make up the cultural traits of each individual. It affects perceptions while perceptions affect both culture and beliefs. Perceptions feed our belief system and that system is directly a result of the cultural system of any given society.

The perceptions of the martial artists of ancient times were driven by the belief system of their society and that society is founded upon the perceptions of its people building a cultural essence, the elements of the culture. It is this trio of humanity that causes art to be created and that art balances out a martial system from its core brutality of combatives be they empty hand or those with weapons.

The elements that build a society and their belief systems are "language, norms, values, beliefs and ideologies, social collectives, statuses and roles (one that plays a large part in self-defense as to the more social aspects of the group), and cultural integration.

The elements that make up our belief system comes from our perceptions that are built from influences from our perceptions, our culture, our belief systems as built by example of those who come before, i.e. family such as parents and siblings, extended family and the various group levels that make up society. As we as individuals are exposed to these influences we integrate their example as to cultural elements that make belief that build our perceptions according to our individual perception of the time, the culture and ethnic groups, the power relationships, the perceiving person, the sensory input modes, the perceptions of perceptions as to truth and accurate facts, and both the internal and external environments and now we add perception of movement; perception of body language which includes facial expressions, etc..

Cultural Elements:

Language, the method of communication. Language is more than mere words, both spoken and written. Language involves words, tone, intonation and various body language that project the feelings and thoughts of a person. Language consists of symbols that are supported, projected and codified by our other language skills, i.e. body language and tone/intonation, which are also influenced by both cultural and beliefs as we progress through life.

Language involves an interaction between humans and it is this interaction that promotes peace while it also can allow conflict. It involves human cognition and the perception of reality. Reality being an individual construct that may or may not balance out with the group culture and beliefs although to remain a member requires a bit of allowance toward what the group requires to what the individual needs and wants.

Norms are those behaviors created as rules of the group or society. It makes for orderly, stable, and mostly predictable interactions. Think of social interactions as those governed by either the logical mind as influenced by both the lizard and monkey mind. In norms we are also influenced by the groups ways, taboos and rituals. Deviation means hammering the nail down. Norms provide the group social control and social control means survival. This trickles down to the need for martial systems in order to survive.

Norms involve both internal social control and external social controls. Both are derived from the need to survive as a group as well as govern interactions between groups for greater social control and survival. This may govern the social conflicts that drive us to resist doing extreme damage or to kill others.

Values are what the group aspire to or hold in high esteem. They are the things humans achieve and consider of value or worth to the individual and as a derivative the social needs of the group. Values are not meant to be written in stone. They are meant to be adjusted as the individual and group require as they grow, prosper and expand. What makes the group strong and by group association the individual strong are the need and ability to renegotiate values and make changes accordingly. Changes also mean survival.

Belief and ideologies are those things that the individual and group believe as true. They are the facts that are accepted by the group as a whole and by its members as individuals. It is not a strictly religious belief and ideology, but consist of all the things, knowledge, that people know and accept as true, including the daily knowledge we refer to as common knowledge. It is a collective agreement that comes from interactions that are modified and changed over time.

What makes them true for the group or individual is an agreement that is collectively believed as true at that point or moment in time.

Statuses and Roles deal with a perception of wealth, power, and prestige. Status is the position within the hierarchy of the group be it family or societal. It is how an individual "fits" in that group. Roles deal with the rights and responsibilities associated with a person or groups status. There are expectations by the individual and the group or society. Roles define what a person in a given status can and shall do for the group or society. It also lets individuals know as to expect the same from others. Roles provide stability and predictability within the society that gives solidarity used for survival.

Roles are often produced through the interactions of individuals within the group. Roles are in a state of flux since they can be changed according to the interactions of said group. Roles are a part of the individual and group identity and the self.

Cultural integration is how the group is interconnected, complimentary, and mutually supportive of all the various elements that make up the group or societal culture. It deals with a diversity and complexity of the individual as to their role  and status within the group. It deals with the individuals beliefs, values, norms and behavior as influenced by both that group or society as well as their individual perceptions and beliefs as the change and grow as individuals and as group members.

These and many other factors are what make up a culture that influences both beliefs and perceptions. It becomes a complex interaction of individuals to create a whole that complement and blends to achieve a stronger whole that can survive in a dangerous world.

This brief explanation must be understood to gain the knowledge of how a discipline like a martial system is created, used and changed to meet the moments needs, in conflict for martial systems, in life generally speaking that feeds the cultural traits or elements that make up a societal group.

In marital systems it is taught that familiarization, knowledge and understanding of the culture of the society that produces that system is important. Cultural elements such as described above are the basis of the birth, growth and longevity of those marital arts. To know the cultural belief systems that were perceived by those ancient masters are to teach us the what, when, where, how and most important why that gave birth to the system. It is that cultural influence that is passed down to the dependents that build upon and create new modernized cultures, beliefs and perceptions that maintain a system for the long haul. To ignore the past is to kill the future that deadens the effectiveness of a marital system.

Bukkyo (Buuk-k'yoe) [仏教]

The characters/ideograms mean "Buddhism." The first character means, "Buddha; the dead; France," the second character means, "teach; faith; doctrine." This particular cultural term used to describe the culture that drives the way martial arts are practiced and taught. It explains why certain inherent traits that drive a traditional system are what they are.

The Asian cultures and therefore the martial art cultures are driven by the three main beleif systems that are practiced as a whole, i.e. Shintoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. This is the essence that is the character of martial arts masters.

I quote, "Bukkyo, founded in India in the 5th century B.C., was first made known to the emperor of Japan by a Korean mission in the year 552, through the official introduction of Buddhism into the country is generally given as 538. At the time, all Japanese were "Shintoists," in that Shintoism, the native religion, was the foundation of all public and private rituals of whatever kind."

Bukkyo or Buddhism provided the impetus for the culture and beliefs of the Japanese and permeated all things of Japan from the clothes they wear, the way they walk and the practice of arts such as flower arrangement, tea ceremony, and the martial arts. All have a basis in Buddhist tenets.

Without an effort on westerners to understand and comprehend this "root" of the martial arts it is impossible to understand, appreciate and practice effectively in a more traditional/classical way.

This is not giving up your own beliefs, culture or spiritual endeavors but rather understanding others deeply and reverently out of respect and admiration.

Buko or Bukou [武功]

The characters/ideograms mean "military exploits." The first character means, "warrior; military; chivalry; arms," and the second character means, "achievement; merits; success; honor; credit."

The urban legends we hear or read of that sound extraordinary and sometimes, often, out of reality that make up the exotic stories that inspired westerners to gain knowledge and proficiency of martial arts from Asia.

The greatest exploits documented in quasi fictional-nonfictional form is the one of Miyamoto Musashi, the sword saint and author of the book of five rings, go-rin-no-sho.

Bunbu Ryodo [文武両道]

The characters/ideograms mean "(accomplished in) both the literary and military arts." The first character means, "sentence; literature; style; art; decoration; figures; plan," the second character means, "warrior; military; chivalry; arms," the third character means, "both; old Japanese coin; counter for carriages (e.g., in a train); two," the fourth character means, "road-way; street; district; journey; course; moral; teachings."

Ancient Chinese texts believe that all things begin with one but for nature and life to exist it must exist with opposites in the concept yin-yang. Those two sides to the one that result in the constant changes and coinciding of life. Yin cannot exist on its own and yang also cannot exist on its own. The natural way of things will not allow that to occur in our Universe.

The yin-yang exist or coincide by complementary existence where fluctuation occurs naturally as does the circular path of the sun and moon as they move naturally with the Earth toward the duality of day and night with all its gradations between making it one whole.

The martial arts only exists as a whole when there is the complementary of the physical and academic whole, i.e. yang = physical, yin = academia. This too will have gradations according to the particular practice and training involved. True classical martial arts cannot exist without bunbu-ryo-do, the yin-yang concept and essence that is martial arts. The sun and moon of martial practice and training.

Bu-jutsu/Bu-do require dedication, diligence and hard work. It is a devotion toward perfection few take up let alone as a life long discipline. Modern, mostly, focus exclusively on the physical while giving little or no effort toward the spiritual - the mental/mind side of the coin (yin-yang). True bu-jutsu/bu-do requires a balance of mind and body, i.e. body leads the mind; the mind leads the body in a cohesive holistic form.

Bunbu ryodo speaks to the balance between the academic or literary side to that of the martial arts. It is coupling the cerebral with the physical so that the mind and body can work as one. It is gaining the full spectrum of understanding toward the discipline that is martial systems thus that which governs life.

"The strength of the body contributes to the strength of the mind; the strength of the mind contributes to the strength of the body." - Charles James

Bunka chishiki[文化知識]

The first two characters/ideograms mean "culture; civilization." The second two characters/ideograms mean "knowledge; information." The combination of these characters/ideograms mean "cultural knowledge." The first character means, "sentence; literature; style; art; decoration; figures; plan," the second character means, "change; take the form of; influence; enchant; delude," the third character means, "know; wisdom," and the fourth character means, "discriminating; know; write."

This term/characters/ideograms are used to provide meaning in the martial arts regarding the need to understand the cultural knowledge that created the system, style or branch of martial art that is practiced. This seems an important aspect that actually provides a form of key to open the proverbial pandora's box but in a positive way.

Karate, or any martial discipline, is a body of cultural knowledge that helps the practitioner attain a certain state of being. In order to find that key to that state one must understand and cultivate the cultural knowledge that is the essence of the system, style or branch. In karate as in many other systems kata becomes a form of cultural and combative information that makes it work. This cultural knowledge does not change and is timeless much like the fundamental principles underlying all combative arts regardless of whether Asian or Western or European.

Cultural knowledge of the past coupled with that of the present is the means by which all martial system grow and prosper, it is what puts the relationship of the movement to the individual. It is a means of exploring the past with the present to create in time a future meaning of the system and this results in a metamorphosis of the original system.

Understanding the cultural belief system of the Sensei encompasses that of the past origins promoting a wholehearted holistically form of training and practice that becomes a descendent of the originally cultural knowledge. Nothing is lost but it does become different and the connectedness of past and present build a solid foundation in its entirety then a system that is newly created lacking substance, depth and breadth that comes from the ancient practices which by the way are as relevant today as they were then with small variations, differences and applications.

In Isshinryu and with other styles or branches there are keys, or karate koans, that are related to cultural knowledge of then and apply to those of the now, the present, named "ken-po goku-i" Goju and Shorin have a unique gokui that is derived, like Zen koans, from that system or branches origins or current master. It is a means to connect the mind and body through cultural knowledge so that one can achieve progress and maintain a line of connectedness in an ancestral way.

An underlying theme is here that speaks to "respect" for the cultural past while creation of a cultural present is possible. In a way, we learn only through the efforts of those who passed so that we may learn and compensate for the present. It is balance of yin-yang.

Bushi [武士] Bunka [文化]

The first word and characters/ideograms mean, "warrior; samurai." The second word and characters/ideograms mean, "culture; civilization. The first word first character means, "warrior; military; chivalry; arms," and the second character means, "gentleman; samurai." The second word first character means, "sentence; literature; style; art; decoration, figures; plan," and the second character means, "change; take the form of; influence; enchant; delude."

Culture of the masters who created the various styles is important to understand. The belief systems that make up that culture as well. Westerners tend to think that culture involves music, art, and/or literature, etc. They fail to realize that it involves the way a people think, talk and behave, the way they work, and the essence or art in the things they create (this includes karate of Okinawa, etc.).

Culture and beliefs are the lifestyle of a group of people like the Okinawans. Culture is a set of beliefs influenced by the peoples attitudes and style of behaviors. Culture is a living think that is absorbed as we grow up. If varies in a unique way from person to person but overall leaves a distinctive mark on each of those persons.

Bushi refers to the warriors who in all probability created and used martial systems to enforce and protect. Their culture and the overall culture of the people they protected dictated the systems used, martial systems. It is the patterns of both their behaviors and thoughts as "the time, the culture and ethnic groups, the power relationships, the perceiving person, the sensory input modes, the perceptions of perceptions as to truth and accurate facts, and both the internal and external environments" that tell us the when, where, why and who of martial systems. It is the essence of what our practice and training in martial arts is derived, the culture and beliefs of those who created the systems.

Busai [武才]

The two characters/ideograms have not meaning associated with the two in the translation sites I use. The first character means, "warrior; military; chivalry; arms," and the second character means, "genius; years old; cubic shaku." The two may mean something similar to a "talent with arms," or "a natural gift in military," or "chivalry genius." The following is my view of its meaning.

This term refers to the depth and maturity of a martial artist. It is sometimes believed that the criteria involve a complete understanding of the system as a cohesive one with a collection of integrated components. To achieve this level of maturity one must have the ability to continue the evolution of the system through developing, demonstrating and teaching a system as a whole, i.e. has reached a level of shu-HA-ri.

The term refers to the age of the martial artist as in the true depth and maturity of the practitioner. When you gain a complete understanding of the entire system with all its many integrated components, i.e. physical, mental and spiritual, whereby your abilities denote the continuance of the system or evolution of it by developing, researching and demonstrating and teaching the system wholeheartedly, holistically.

It goes way beyond merely collection bunkai (techniques and moves, etc.), kata and system black belts. It is a dedication seldom held in modern martial arts that transcends such things as trophies, belts, etc.

Bushido (Buu-she-doh) [武士道]

The characters/ideograms mean "Bushido; samurai code of chivalry." The first character means, "warrior; military; chivalry; arms," the second character means, "gentleman; samurai," the third character means, "road-way; street; district; journey; course; moral; teachings."

This word along with budo is what I perceive as the most misunderstood and misused term in western martial arts. It is one of those buzz words that folks use to promote some false sense of warrior status used to build ego and system status. It is a bit like saying basketball is an Japanese Koryu martial art - not.

The following is quoted: "Dr. Nitobe defines bushido as "a code unuttered and unwritten, possessing he more powerful sanction of an actual deed." Bushido literally means something like "military fighting way," but is is more commonly translated as "the way of the warrior." Bushido combines a moral and an ethical system with a highly stylized etiquette which came to be the defining character of the samurai.

The basic tenets of bushido are derived from Shintoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Shinto's contribution to the way of the warrior was loyalty to the emperor, patriotism, filial piety, reverence for one's ancestors, and a godlike purity of soul.

From Buddhism came a belief and trust in fate, submission to the inevitable, an acceptance of death, a stoic composure in the face of calamity, and a sense of calm. Confucianism brought its five moral relationships to bushido, and thus became the foundation of the way of the warrior. These five moral tenets governed the hierarchical relationships between the ruler and the ruled, between fathers and sons, between husbands and wives, between older and younger brothers, and, last but not least between friends.

Self-control, concealing one's thoughts, the repression of pain and sorrow, endurance and politeness were also instilled in samurai youth.

The basis of the moral foundation of bushido were a highly develop-ed sense of justice, courage in the cause of righteousness; benevolence combined with love, affection and sympathy for others; politeness combined with gracefulness; veracity at all times and in all things; a highly developed sense of honor; and an absolute loyalty to the state and to one's lord.

Bushido no ichigon (buu-she-doh no ee-chee-gohn), or "the word of a samurai," which means that when they make a promise or commitment, they will keep it without any written contract or other formality.

Today, the relationship between modern Japan and the age of the samurai is visible in the practice of aikido, judo, kendo and other martial arts in schools and halls throughout the country, and the rigorous training in etiquette that many companies give each  year to new employees."

Butsuri-tekina sugureta kogeki [物理的な優れた攻撃]

The characters/ideograms mean "superior physical aggression." The first character means, "thing; object; matter," the second character means, "logic; arrangement; reason; justice; truth," the third character means, "bull's eye; mark; target; object," the fifth character means, "tenderness, excel; surpass; actor; superiority; gentleness," the eighth character means, "aggression; attack," the ninth character means, "beat; attack; defeat; conquer."

This phrase is used to describe a martial system or art. It speaks to the very definition of martial art, i.e. the system that provides the tools to a martial artist to defeat superior physical aggression. It becomes apparent when one thinks of a martial art that to call it by those terms means we believe that it will presume and defeat physically superior aggressive people - defeat violently aggressive attackers/attacks.

When any outside force is applied in order to exert physical control over us with violence it then boils down to our control of self to overcome that aggressive, violent and perceived superior person of force. If the martial art in question fails to achieve this goal then it is not a martial art. The martial art must provide us a means to establish control or to re-establish control over a combative situation or it is not a martial art.

If the martial art fails to control a superior physical aggression it is not the fault of that art but the fault of the person applying said martial art, the failure is the person's failure to exert control over themselves, i.e. their mind and body, making their control of self superior to that of the aggressor.

Butteki do[物的動]

The characters/ideograms mean "physical movement." The first character means, "thing; object; matter," the second character means, "bull's eye; mark; target; object," and the third character means, "move; motion; change; confusion; shift; shake."

This particular term is to convey knowledge about how physical movement of the traditional/classical martial arts has changed. Japanese and by association since the 1600's the Okinawan's don't move the same way today that they did in the feudal era where martial arts gained the most. Did you realize that before western influences these people did not walk with the arms swaying forward and to the rear?

The western influences caused a change in pattern as to physical movement vastly different today then when martial arts was at its highest practice. This began at the beginning of the "restoration" around 1868. Japan adopted a western educational system and made it there own like many things foreign made Japanese or Japanized.

A warrior, samurai, walked with his hand near the sword and all his physical movement originated in the hara or belly. A merchant walked using small steps, body leaning slightly forward and the hands resting on top of his apron. These are things that governed Japanese movements or physical movements up to the time western influences and Japanese adoptions were enacted.

Buzoku [部族]

The characters/ideograms mean "tribe; clan; house." The first character means, "section; bureau; dept; class; copy; part; portion," the second character means, "tribe; family."

Whether you call them a tribe, a clan or a faction this denotes with authority a separatist group that believes its moral standing is higher than others. I speak to the separation of one system or style into the many tribal, clannish or faction of folks caught up in superiority complexes thinking their way of practice and training is the one true way meant to be followed according to the dead guy who created said system or style so can not refute the futility of such buzoku.

When you "other" people, groups or societies you push them down into an unwarranted category of sub-human. You can fool yourself into feeling this is not what these tribal groups, factions, are doing but it comes out the same deep down inside each person subjected to such drivel.

My advice, avoid buzoku in this particular usage or definition - in martial art circles. We should remember that this system or style is merely one persons interpretation of a system of fighting, civil fighting, that is universally based on the fundamental principles of all martial systems.