Budo: The Art of Killing

The documentary compiles demonstrations by renowned martial artists from the late 1970s, capturing a period of renewed interest in traditional Budō. It weaves modern instructional footage with nods to feudal Japan through reenactments and symbolic imagery, underscoring Budō’s long historical lineage. The cinematography and pacing convey the era’s reverence for tradition and disciplined practice.

The film travels across traditional Japanese settings—from mainland dojo spaces to Okinawan training grounds—highlighting where Budō and martial arts culture thrive. It presents the landscapes and environments that nurture discipline, reverence, and technique, including seaside training and historic practice halls. Okinawa’s karate roots are emphasized as a crucial part of Budō’s cultural tapestry within Japan.

🧘 Mind-Body

Budo is presented as a unity of mind and body, where inner focus translates into precise outer technique. The film illustrates how training, meditation, and clear intent reinforce each other across different disciplines. Scenes from Shioda’s aikido and quiet meditation segments emphasize that mental clarity underpins physical mastery. This theme frames practice as a path to harmonized action rather than mere combat.

⚖️ Tradition

Traditional methods are celebrated as living heritage, from kata and makiwara to the craft of nihonto forging by Amada Akitsugu. The program emphasizes the transmission of techniques from master to student and the respect for lineage within Budō. Dojo scenes and extended demonstrations portray Budō as an evolving practice that remains deeply rooted in its past. The film honors practitioners who safeguard these timeless methods.

🗡️ Speed & Fear

The sword’s swift power and the potential for lethal harm are central to the narrative. The documentary presents sword cuts with astonishing velocity, including a slow-motion shot that exposes the speed of a beheading. It explores the psychological impact of living with such force and the discipline required to wield it responsibly. The tension around weapon-based skill underscores Budō’s dual nature of beauty and danger.