The Japanese martial arts : an expression of bushido

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the still present influence which the samurai ethos (bushidō) holds over Japanese martial arts (budō). This thesis consists of several parts covering the following aspects: - short history or the samurai class and their moral code; - classification of Japanese martial arts; - elements of samurai tradition rejected or modified by modern budō; - elements of samurai tradition continuously present in budō - forms of training, the significance of psycho-physical unity, intellectual values, principles of etiquette and importance of self-development