BUSHIDO CODE

 

Bushido code is a code of honor for a way of life utilized by the Samurai and is still utilized today. Bushido stems from the words “Bushi” meaning “warrior”, “Do” meaning “the way”. As in any core value system, like the Bushido Code, it should define our leadership both in our careers and in our personal lives. The code consists of seven virtues of bushido and include the following:

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GI: THE RIGHT DECISION, TAKEN WITH EQUANIMITY; RECTITUDE; INTEGRITY.

Other variations of the code include righteousness or rectitude. This means Justice, fairness in every dealing with other people. Making good on your dealings with other people. Consider all the factors at plays in dealing with everyone around you. A bushido code follower is a self-controlled leader will deny themselves those things and privileges which will derail their credibility. A strong leader, like a strong samurai, will carry themselves with the utmost integrity, never wavering or compromising what is right.

 

Rei: Proper behavior; courtesy; respect.

The politeness and value one gives to everyone else. Extending courtesy in that other lives are valued highly and the responsibility you have to honor those who were before you (elders/leadership) and train up those who are behind you (children/next generation of leaders). Bushido leaders know that respect is gained through their consistent dealing with people, and not outward strength.

 

Yu: Valor; bravery; tinged with heroism; heroic courage.

Never waver in the face of fear or the face of compromise. Hold fast to Bushido code principles. Heroic courage is not a bravery to bend or break rules, but a courage to stand for them in face of fear. It is also the courage to deny inner temptation that will compromise the Bushido Code, which compromises all others around oneself. Leaders with heroic courage know how to stand up even to the enemy within themselves.

 

Meiyo: Honor and glory.

Having a good name in holding to principles, but also in a higher degree of respect for others as well. Having a dignity of worthiness in your work, your cause, and your purpose. The truly authentic leader exemplifies this code by being transparent and consistent in public and in private.

 

Jin: Benevolence toward mankind; universal love; compassion.

Benevolence. Showing mercy by having an attitude of generosity, of sympathy, and forgiveness. Compassion serves others, even to the discomfort of self. These leaders go out of their way to serve, and do not hide themselves within their own cares. They help others at every opportunity.

 

Makoto: Utter sincerity, honesty, and truthfulness.

More closely defined as honesty. It is having a veracity, a truthfulness, to everything you say and do. Your word is your bond, and that bond will never be broken. In an age where written contracts and even handshakes are marginalized, leaders are renowned for their commitment to their word.

 

Chugi: Devotion, faith, duty, and loyalty.

Not just to self or the cause, but loyalty to others, law and order, society, and family. Exhibiting a personal fidelity to others through other codes such as respect (Rei), sincerity (Makoto), and honor (Meiyo). The leader who knows their duty to others will exhibit a fierce loyalty in that as well, whether to faith, family, company, or nation. They take responsibility for their decisions and the resulting actions.

 

 

7-5-3 Code

 

The 7-5-3 code is based on a Jiu Jitsu code to follow for a more equally balanced life; physically, emotionally, and mentally. The 7-5-3 code is influenced and grounded on the bushido way of life; This is our interpretation of the Bushido Code. The 7-5-3 code is broken into three distinct sections; 7 Virtues of a Warrior, 5 Keys to Health, and

3 States of Mind.

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7 Virtues of a Warrior

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The seven Virtues of a Warrior help to guide us in our interactions with others. With these virtues in mind, we can hope to do right by others and ourselves, and not allow our training to falsely inflate our ego, sense of power and importance.

• Honor - The quality of knowing and doing what is morally right.

• Courage - The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery.

• Honesty/Sincerity - The absence of pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy.

• Loyalty - Strong support or allegiance.

• Rectitude - Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness.

• Politeness/Propriety - Behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people.

• Benevolence - The quality of being well meaning; kindness.

 

5 Keys to Health

 

The 5 Keys to Health assist us in ensuring that we are at our most physically fit, so our training does not suffer and we are prepared when needed

• Manage Stress 

• Rational Nutrition

• Sensible Exercise

• Positive Attitude

• Proper Hygiene and Rest

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3 States of Mind

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The 3 States of Mind guide our inner relationship, so that we will think with clear mindedness and wisdom.

 

• Zanshin – (Alertness/Awareness can also be considered as Preparedness))

• Mushin – (Clear Mind, Focus, Proper Reaction without Emotion/Thought)

• Fudoshin – (Emotional Balance, Immoveable Mind/Heart, Indomitable)

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