Budō is a Japanese term. Budō designates those Japanese martial art disciplines whose ultimate goal is spiritual cultivation. Therefore, Budō is neither sports nor fun activities. 

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Budō has its origins in the age-old martial spirit of Japan. Through centuries of historical, cultural, and social changes, these forms of traditional Japanese martial arts have evolved from combat techniques (jutsu) into spiritual ways (Dō).

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In Japanese, “Dō” means the Way. "Dō" is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese term "Tao" (Taoism), meaning the way to eliminate violence/aggression and finally to return to the natural way of the universe.

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Budō is a way of living which follows the laws of nature and principles of the universe. 

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Budō does not involve any philosophical speculation. It merely teaches us how to live and exist in the present moment, as does the body, offering the open-minded student the opportunity to explore and deepen the mind & body unification in various life circumstances.

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Practicing Budō requires humility, simplifying one’s lifestyle and letting go of the many negative habits and, particularly letting go of the social programming embedded in the individual’s subconscious mind by society,  politicians, religious and educational institutions and, last but not least, by one’s family.

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 The art of Ki Aikido in its true and original meaning is Budō. Sadly & regretfully many dan grades folks practice it and teach it as a “social circus”, seeking ranks like they are lollipops and flaunting their ranks & titles on social media and beyond. 

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The fundamental intent of practicing Ki Aikido as Budō differs drastically  from any of the so-called “self improvement” or “personal improvement” classes/programs fondly embraced in the Western society. 

 

Unlike students who attend classes at a college or at a university or who attend any of the self improvement programs to pile up (accumulate) information and show off their materialistic knowledge and eventually becoming a “somebody” in the society, training in Ki Aikido requires the sincere student to drop off all the pretences & all the social masks so he/she embraces the Way (“Dō”) and ultimately, becoming a “nobody.”

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To truly enjoy practicing Ki Aikido as an art of living a healthy and free mind is required. 

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The mind is neither healthy nor free if it is clouded and intoxicated by hubris, by the urges to win over others, by coercing/forcing others, one way or the other, to give up their freedom to consent, and last but not least, by tribalism in any shape and form. 

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Racism, xenophobia, the clique/herd mentality, intellectual arrogance, or gender related air of superiority in any shape and form, are not compatible with the true spirit of Budō... These defilements are the outcomes of an immature, restless and an ignorant mind. 

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In the pursuit of "Dō" (Tao) every day something is relinquished. Less and less is done until non-action is attained..."