Preface

The Japanese word budo consists of two characters. Although usually translated as "martial," the original components of the character bu have the meaning "to stop clashing weapons," with a definite connotation of restoring peace. Bu may also be interpreted as "valorous action," "courageous living," and "commitment to justice." Do is Tao, "the Way to truth," "the Path to liberation." The two concepts merge as budo, "the Way of brave and enlightened activity."

Budo Secrets: Teachings of the Martial Arts Masters consists of three sections. The first is a collection of the principles of budo, taken from various training manuals and transmission scrolls. The second section contains excerpts on the philosophical elements of budo, including the seminal text Neko no Myojutsu, "The Marvelous Techniques of the Old Cat." The third section relates instructional tales told of the budo masters. Since many of the budo masters were excellent calligraphers and painters and used brush and ink as a teaching medium, I have also included a number of illustrations by different martial artists.

In keeping with tradition, I have kept additional commentary to a minimum. Budo texts and tales are meant to be cryptic. They are not for "dummies" or "idiots." They are to be understood through lifelong personal experience and self-reflection, through discussion with fellow trainees, and through person-to-person, heart-to-heart transmission from a teacher.

As I note several times in the text, the teachings of budo are still actively studied today, and they are not to be dismissed as relics of a different age. In fact, Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, told his disciples that true budo was finally emerging in the present era. May it be so!