The Japanese word for martial art is “Budo.” BU means martial and DO is the same as in Aikido, a word for Way or Path. The concept of DO is found in many Japanese disciplines, from the more evidently physical forms such as Judo, Karate-Do, Kendo and other martial forms, to practices such as Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) or Sado (the Japanese tea ceremony). In the spirit of Budo you will find the concept of using a physical discipline to create an outer form for spiritual training. The concept of using a physical form of practice to serve a higher purpose is a very wonderful part of Japanese culture: You use your chosen discipline to polish your spirit, gain a better understanding of yourself, your relationship to the world in which you live and the people you share this world with.