The Tao of Martial Arts
Beyond Combat: Exploring the Spiritual Dimension of Martial Arts
Why do all japanese martial arts names end with the morpheme “dō”?
Dō is the go-on vocalization of the Japanese kanji 道, corresponding to Mandarin Chinese (pinyin) dào, meaning “way”, with connotations of “philosophy, doctrine, spiritual path”.
To understand why and how modern martial arts are related to the dào, we need to delve briefly into the history of martial arts.
All modern Japanese martial arts have their roots in jujitsu. Jujitsu was originally a means to overcome an opponent through force.
At times, mere defeat was insufficient; the aim was to completely subdue the opponent.
The Edo period (1600–1868) marked the zenith of martial arts development. During this era, Japan was under a feudal system with the emperor as a figurehead and the Shogun wielding actual power. The nation was divided into fiefs controlled by the Shogun’s vassals, the Daimyo, who were formidable warriors.
Further down in the hierarchy were the samurai, who occupied different level in the hierarchy. While some held esteemed positions, the majority served as foot soldiers (ashigaru), carrying out minor responsibilities.
Yet, being a samurai ensured a honorable and prosperous life.
Therefore, martial arts flourished in feudal Japan, as proficiency in a martial art could secure a higher social status.
The technical knowledge of jujitsu was greatly influenced by Chinese culture, with its advanced medical insights and the Taoist principles of yin and yang. Understanding the body’s vital points led to the refinement of combat techniques.
Now, let’s circle back to our initial question: Why do all Japanese martial arts names end with the morpheme “dō,” which is absent in the term jujitsu?
Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judō and the first to adopt “dō,” explained:
“There were many reasons why I chose not to use the term ju-jutsu to describe our practice, preferring judō instead: the primary reason was that dō (way) represents the ultimate goal of Kodokan’s teachings [the birthplace of Judo], while jujitsu (technique) is a secondary objective. I wanted to emphasize that judō is a means to pursue the dō [the way].”
Thus, the focus shifts from technique to philosophy and spirituality growth: the art becomes “way,” a philosophical journey. The martial art is no longer just a skill, but a path to educate and elevate individuals and society. While jujitsu aimed to triumph over even physically superior opponents, Kano’s judō focuses on physical and mental training.
Jujitsu evolved into a system that not only conditions the body with exercises but also sharpens the mind with the pursuit of clever techniques and strategies to defeat the opponent and fortifies the spirit through free combat trials.
The martial art has transformed into a Way (“dō”), an all-encompassing approach to physical conditioning, intellectual growth, moral instruction, and spiritual development. Each modern martial art is defined by a core principle. Let’s explore the fundamental principles of these modern martial arts.
Ju-dō
Ju-dō embodies the principle of flexibility, adaptability, and its symbol is water. “Ju” translates to softness, pliability, and yielding.
This principle, derived from Taoism, posits that all things inevitably transform into their opposites. The yin and yang concept asserts that every phenomenon contains the potential for its own reversal.
To prevail, one must align with the constant flux of reality. In the river of change, perceived weakness is converted into strength. What seems overpowering can be rendered feeble by redirecting its own force against it. The adversary is undone by the very power they have unleashed.
Karate-dō
The essence of karate is the concept of emptiness. Its form is the void itself.
“Kara” signifies emptiness, the notion of a vacuum. The term “kara-te” combines the ideas of emptiness and hand, not just the void, but the act of creating emptiness through effort. These ideas resonate with the Buddhist tenet that “form is emptiness, and emptiness is form.”
Educationally, this suggests that the karate practitioner should cultivate a mind devoid of ego, vanity, fear, and the urge to dominate.
Aiki-dō
The core principle of Aiki-dō is harmony.
Aikidō, by definition, means “the way of harmonizing energies.” Its element is the ether. For Morihei Ueshiba, Aikidō’s founder, the martial art is a vehicle for peace. Aikido’s aim is to conquer the internal adversary that incites discord and violence, fostering a peaceful world.
“In the Art of Peace, there are no contests. A true warrior is invincible because he contests with nothing. Victory means to defeat the discord within oneself. ” Morihei Ueshiba
Martial arts as a pathways to personal growth
Each modern style of martial arts embodies a unique principle that transcends mere physical prowess, offering pathways to personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, and harmony with the world.
Ju-dō, with its emphasis on flexibility and adaptability, teaches the art of yielding to overcome.
Karate-dō, through the concept of emptiness, encourages practitioners to empty their minds of ego and embrace a state of void, allowing for true power to emerge.
Aiki-dō, centered on harmony, aims to resolve conflict not just externally, but internally, promoting peace and understanding.
These martial arts, while distinct in their practices, share a common goal:
to forge not just better fighters, but better individuals and, by extension, a better society.
Through the integration of physical discipline, intellectual challenge, and spiritual development, they offer a holistic approach to self-improvement and societal harmony, demonstrating the enduring relevance and value of martial arts in contemporary life.
Translated from italian article: Il Tao delle Arti Marziali
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