To tell the truth, there are some other reasons why I always use the word "BUGEI" instead of "Martial arts".
Generally, many martial artist said that the Kanji of "武" consist of "戈(spear)" and "止(stop)". But actually, "止" means "foot" and "戈" is phonetic symbol. But "戈" might be related with the meaning of "war" or "fighting".
The original meaning of "武" in ancient period is "Half step". There is possibility to need this kind of scale for commanding the brigade.
Every time, my master advise me that if you walk with good posture and walk with natural sense, you can make superior movement.
When I saw the meaning of Kanji "武" which related with "foot" and "step", I have strong interest about how the step of ancient Chinese warrior was.
I am interested in that even now, the current Chinese BUGEI continuing that "step".
Of course, I love to use the philosophy that the Kanji of "武" consist of "戈(spear)" and "止(stop)". This feeling is very close to the philosophy of Japanese SAMURAI. The thought that was able to be boasted to the world of Samurai arose for this conception who seemed to be Japanese.
On the other hand, originally, the meaning of "芸(GEI)" is "planting tree".
There is a trouble record in China in 2.3 centuries B.C.. The tree of the mountain which was near to the urban region was already cut exhaustively. Unfortunately. it seems current Chinese problem. Without damaging the nature environment, it should be difficult to make the kanji with the meaning of planting. Later,"芸" meaning change to planting skill, agricultural skill, academic skill and some kind of skill, techniques, and hand works.
Always, I feel something deep in the kanji of the meaning of foot or step "武" and the kanji of the meaning of handwork "芸". Maybe it formed by chance. But it is interesting that the kanji of footwork is on top and the kanji of handwork is second position. When the vocabulary of "武芸" formed, I think the ancient meaning was already forgotten. But vocabulary of "武芸" was formed. I believe that when the time of formed vocabulary "武芸", excellent BUGEISHA who continuing the tradition and essence of by his body and soul was agreed with the vocabulary of "武芸". The feeling of Taiden seems Zen philosophy, I think.
Even in my school, our grand master said the succession is by Shoden(Written), Kuden(Spoken), Taiden(Body). These lines are arranged in easy to inform order, and not important order. In short, Bugei should succeed by your own body, not any other media! I believe that Shoden is only restaurant menu, Kuden is just spice.Only Taiden is eatable main dish. I can say so.
I see very funny scene in my school dojo that many foreigner students are collecting these menus and spices without main dish. I should say they are menu collection mania or spice collection mania. They are nothing like "BUGEISHA". I can say menu can't be filled of their stomach, and if they continue to eat spice, their stomach will be damaged one day.
I am wondering the philosophy of "stop the war" in kanji"武" is believe in China. But anyway, this philosophy is very strong and principle in Japanese BUGEI.. I am happy to obey this philosophy. Therefore, I use "BUGEISHA".
2009/12/21 Hekishusai
