budou

Budō, often rendered in Japanese as 武道, literally means "martial way" and refers to a family of Japanese martial arts practiced as a path of personal development rather than mere combat. The term contrasts with bujutsu, which denotes martial techniques used in warfare. In budō the do (way) implies ethical and spiritual dimensions, shaping character, discipline, humility, and respect. Training combines technique with mindset, including forms (kata), paired practice, and etiquette.

Although Japanese martial traditions go back centuries, the modern concept of budō emerged in the late 19th and 20th centuries as educators promoted martial arts as a means of physical education and character formation. The term is now used to describe a broad spectrum of arts that emphasize the do aspect, including both traditional schools and modern, sport-influenced disciplines.

Prominent disciplines commonly categorized as budō include judo, kendo, karate, aikido, kyudo, iaido, and jōdō. These arts emphasize safety, respect for training partners, and ethical development alongside physical skill. Budō is practiced worldwide through schools, clubs, and national organizations, often under standardized competition and grading systems, though practices and emphasis vary by art and country.

Related concepts include bushidō, the samurai code, and bujutsu, the historical study of warfare arts.