Bushido

1. LOYALTY

Only in the code of honour does loyalty assume importance. Loyalty to the state or to one’s lord, were the most important aspect of this trait. Establishment of personal loyalty to the Emperor was deemed “excellent within certain bounds”. To Kaizen Ryu students we ask you to show loyalty to your Family, Friends and to all around you.

2. COURAGE

Courage is a virtue only in the cause of righteousness. A young samurai would have Bravery, Fearlessness and of course, Courage. A prince once said “true courage is to live when it is right to live, and die when it is right to die” Kaizen Ryu students can show courage by taking on new tasks, attempt new subjects and go at them head on.

3. HONOUR

A samurai’s honour was his word. A vivid consciousness of personal dignity and worth is implicit in the word honour. Any infringement upon a samurai’s honour was felt as a sense of shame. According to samurai legend, Dishonour is like a scar on a tree, in time the scar does not grow smaller, but grows larger. For the Kaizen Ryu students believe in yourself, what you do in life, and stand by the law.

4. SELF-CONTROL

It was unmanly for a samurai to betray his emotions on his face. “He shows no sign of joy or anger” described one of the great warriors. To let one’s opponent see what you were feeling was a disgrace to the code. Within the ranks of Kaizen Ryu we expect you our students to have self-control both in class as well as within a self-defence situation (look up the meaning of our patch).

5. RECTITUDE

Justice is the most important code to the samurai. Nothing is more loathsome to him than underhanded dealings and crooked undertakings. A samurai strived for justice and to make the right judgements. All that is asked of Kaizen Ryu students is to make the right decisions and stay within the law.

6. BENEVOLENCE

Love, affection for others, sympathy and nobility of feeling were regarded as the highest attributes of the soul. Gentleness and high manners were taught to the warrior class. Benevolence brings under its sway whatever hinders its power, just like water subdues fire. As for the Kaizen Ryu martial artist show benevolence to everybody and they will return the gesture.

7. VERACITY

According to the code of the Bushido, lying was deemed cowardly. As such it was regarded as dishonourable. Indeed, the word of a samurai guaranteed the truthfulness of an assertion. A samurai needed no oath. So we expect that Kaizen Ryu students will speak the truth to Family, friends and fellow students.

8. POLITENESS

A true samurai had politeness, courtesy and excellent manners. According to the bushido it is also in poor taste to use extreme politeness where it in not necessary. The samurai had an elaborate system of etiquette that was taught to them from youth. Our students are expected to be polite within class, as well as outside class and within their families and friends.