Budo: The Art of Killing

The film opens with Kunishirō Hayashi performing a reenactment of seppuku, setting a solemn tone for the study of Budō. It underscores the seriousness and ritual code that accompany mastery of the samurai sword. This opening sequence frames Budō as more than sport, highlighting honor, discipline, and the potential cost of skill.

The sequence shows yabusame archery on horseback and footage of a samurai cavalry battle, illustrating the martial culture that surrounds the sword. The dynamic riding and archery demonstrate balance, timing, and the coiled strength of a warrior. It serves as a historical backdrop to the film's later demonstrations of technique and philosophy.

The narrator explains the deep connection between Budō and the nihonto, presenting the sword as a universal symbol of discipline and spiritual focus. The discussion frames the blade as a teacher that embodies the mind-body integration central to Budō. The moment anchors the film's recurring motif that steel mirrors the spirit.

The film shows techniques developed by Okinawan farmers to counter the sword, highlighting practical ingenuity born from hardship. These demonstrations link agricultural labor with martial strategy, underscoring Budō's adaptability. The segment emphasizes that effective defense comes from study, practice, and resourcefulness.

Karate-do master Teruo Hayashi demonstrates weapons rooted in Okinawan tradition, expanding beyond empty-hand forms. The display includes precise stances, grips, and timing that reveal how training translates into weapon mastery. The sequence connects karate's philosophy with practical weapon work.

Fujimoto performs makiwara training, illustrating the harsh conditioning behind powerful striking. The film shows the infamous shot of him striking a locomotive and chopping a beer bottle, emphasizing zeal, focus, and the edge of pain in training. The segment highlights the ruthlessness and dedication expected of serious budō practitioners.

Satoru Suzuki demonstrates the nunchaku with speed and precision, showcasing its dexterity and versatility. The sequence emphasizes weapon handling, timing, and the cultural footprint of a weapon popularized by cinema. It adds texture to the collection of weapon arts presented in the film.

The film moves to traditional Judo training, including mat rolls, pole-hopping, bunny-hops, and hip throws using rubber bands tied around trees. These exercises illustrate balance, agility, and the playful yet demanding drills that build core budō proficiency. The segment contrasts with weapon-focused demonstrations by emphasizing grappling discipline.

Naginata-do is presented as a budō pursued by women as well as men, reflecting its wide appeal. The demonstration shows the weapon's reach, rhythm, and footwork, illustrating how tradition adapts to contemporary practitioners. The segment reinforces Budō's inclusivity and historical roots.

Aikido master Gozo Shioda demonstrates the art, intercut with shots of leaves falling into a brook to evoke harmony with nature. The sequence emphasizes the unity of mind and body and the gentle yet powerful technique that defuses aggression. It helps articulate the film's theme of harmony within budō itself.

To emphasize mind and body as one, Shinto practitioners perform fire walking, underscoring belief, focus, and control. The display parallels budo training with spiritual discipline and ritual patience. The sequence ties physiological effort to reflective, meditative intention.

The film shows grueling training inside a sumo stable with rikishi Takamiyama, portraying a harsh, demanding regimen. The scenes highlight endurance, discipline, and the tough realities behind mastery in weightier martial arts. The episode contrasts with more precise sword work by showing raw physical rigor.

Scenes of youths practicing kobudo on the beach bridge generations of Budō, signaling continuity and renewal. The demonstrations blend traditional weapons with a natural setting, suggesting accessibility and community learning. The segment underscores the passing of technique from elder masters to younger generations.

Teruo Hayashi demonstrates karate-do kumite, underscoring how training can be severe and cruel yet necessary for true mastery. The narrator notes that a sword can take a life with a single swing, reinforcing the gravity of disciplined practice. The sequence ties together form, sparring, and the peril hidden in budō's power.