What is the particular value of studying Japanese warrior arts?
Japanese culture emphasizes the importance of etiquette, harmony and cooperation, essential skills for becoming a responsible member of society. In order to promote an understanding of traditional Japanese culture, every child studies the Code of Bushido, or the seven Japanese principles of the Way of the Warrior. Before testing for the next rank, children complete a Bushido worksheet that demonstrates how they have applied these principles in the dojo, at home or in school. The Bushido principles are: Justice/Honesty (Gi), Respect/Courtesy (Rei), Courage (Yu), Honor or Integrity (Meiyo), Compassion (Jin), Sincerity (Makoto), and Loyalty (Chu). The child’s understanding of these difficult concepts grows with their understanding of Aikido.
