THE 7 VIRTUES OF BUSHIDO (Part 3 of 7)

Recently a small cardboard sign appeared on the dojo wall over the half-fridge at my dojo. I see it every time I go for water or use the bathroom. I read what this little sign said about the virtues of Bushido and began to wonder: It’s one thing to talk about integrity or courage, but how do these seven virtues apply to real life on the mat? What do these words actually mean? How do these virtues show up at a dojo? Do I see them in action? Where do I experience them in myself or in others? I decided to explore each of these principles to see whether, how, and where they have come alive for me in my training. So over seven posts, I will briefly explore each of these virtues and the commentary below it. I’ll quote the commentary, pull up a dictionary definition, and then add a thought or two about how this might work on the mat.

NOTE: For those interested in learning a lot more about Bushido and its history as well as where these virtues come from (Nitobe Inazō), check out the following Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushido to begin your exploration.

3. YU (Heroic Courage)

Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. A true warrior must have heroic courage. It is absolutely risky. It is living life completely, fully, and wonderfully.

Dictionary definition: The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery; valor.

During Sei Shin Dojo’s latest belt test promotion, I witnessed a great example of real-life courage. In the course of the test, Sensei brought out a hammer which one of the candidates was to defend against. Initially the look on her face was one of horror and disbelief, but then something happened, and her face changed in front of me, from terror to quiet determination. She handled the situation well and dispatched her attacker with skill and speed. Later it became clear that the hammer in question was just a prop, and everyone had a laugh. But because I was standing almost directly in front of her, I saw the change that she went through, and I can only call it Courage, the ability to do what is necessary in the face of perceived terrible or impossible odds. Very impressive.

What does courage look like to you?