Bu: Stopping conflict

Do: Way

Budo: "The way of stopping conflict”

The Japanese word budô, loosely translated as "martial arts,” literally means "the way of stopping conflict.” The word is made up of two characters:

   bu (武) which encompasses both "stop” and "conflict”

   do（道）meaning "the way,” as in karate-do, aiki-do, ju-do, ken-do, taekwon-do.

Students of the traditional Japanese martial arts learn to deal with and control conflict, both within themselves and between themselves and others.

Although different budo may vary in physical technique, they all share a general concept that training enhances the connection between the mind, body and spirit. The mind develops concentration, focus and self-discipline. The body becomes fit while one learns to defend oneself. The spiritual training offers emotional stability and a way to live in harmony and balance with the world.