The Budo Charter
From a publication of the Danish Kendo Federation.
The Japanese Budo Association (Zen Nihon Budo Renmei) is an association of several of Japan's national martial arts associations. These groups came together to attempt to define the purpose of Budo and the following charter was drawn up.
"Budo, rooted in the martial spirit of ancient Japan, is an aspect of traditional culture that has evolved from Jutsu to Do through centuries of historical and social change.
Following the concept of unity of mind and technique budo has developed and refined a discipline of austere training which promotes etiquette, skillful technique, physical strength and the unity of mind and body. Modern Japanese have inherited these values and they play a prominent role in forming Japanese personalities. In modern Japan the budo spirit is a source of powerful energy and promotes a pleasant disposition in the individual.
Today, budo has been diffused throughout the world and has attracted strong interest internationally. However, infatuation with mere technical training, and undue concern with winning is a severe threat to the essence of budo. To prevent this perversion of the art we must continually examine ourselves and endeavor to perfect and preserve this national heritage.
It is with this hope that we establish the Budo Charter in order to uphold the fundamental principles of traditional budo."
ARTICLE 1 (OBJECT): The object of budo is to cultivate character, enrich the ability to make value judgements, and foster a well disciplined and capable individual through participation in physical and mental training utilizing martial techniques.
ARTICLE 2 (KEIKO): When practicing daily, one must constantly follow decorum, adhere to the fundamentals, and resist the tempteation to pursue mere technical skill rather than the unity of mind and technique.
ARTICLE 3 (SHIAI): In a match and the performance of kata, one must manifest budo spirit, exert oneself to the utmost, win with modesty, accept defeat gracefully, and constantly exhibit temperate attitudes.
ARTICLE 4 (DOJO): The dojo is a sacred place for training one's mind and body. Here one must maintain discipline, proper etiquette, and formality. The training area must be a quiet, clean, safe and solemn environment.
ARTICLE 5 (TEACHING): When teaching trainees, in order to be an effective teacher, the budo master should always strive to cultivate one's character, and further one's own skill and discipline of mind and body. One should not be swayed by winning or losing, or display arrogance about one's superior skill but rather one should retain the attitudes suitable for a role-model.
ARTICLE 6 (PROMOTION): When promoting budo, one should follow traditional values, seek substantial training, contribute to research, and do one's utmost to perfect and preserve this traditional art with an understanding of international points of view.
The Japanese Budo Association consists of the following member
organizations:
Zen Nihon Judo Renmei (All Japan Judo Federation)
Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei (All Japan Kendo Federation)
Zen Nihon Kyudo Renmei (All Japan Kyudo Federation)
Nihon Sumo Renmei (Japan Sumo Federation Inc.)
Zen Nihon Karatedo Renmei (Karate Federation Inc.)
Aikikai Foundation Inc.
Nippon Shorinji Kempo Renmei (Shorinji Kempo Corp.)
Zen Nihon Naginata Renmei (Naginata Federation Inc)
Zen Nihon Jukendo Renmei (Jukendo Federation Inc.)
Nippon Budokan Inc.