Bujutsu [武術] to Budo [武道]

The combative form of martial arts are referred to as “bujutsu.” The more philosophical and spiritual (non-religious meaning) practices of martial arts are referred to as “budo.” There is a middle ground as well called, “Bonpu budo [凡夫武道].” This is addressed as the “three stages” of martial arts.

Martial arts disciplines began as combatives systems for armies and individuals. They were purely physical and practiced to overcome/defeat/kill the enemy in combat. They are/were designed as a practical approach to defeating an adversary by means of great bodily harm or death. This is why it is called bujutsu.

The middle ground of martial arts is about the creation and living of a more spiritual discipline to aid the warrior of bujutsu in their applications. It was a self-analysis type of model with the intent to self-cultivate ones mind through moving meditation, thus improving one’s physical performance. This is why it is called bonpu budo.

The upper stage is what some might refer to as, genuine budo or just Budo. This is where we reverse the concept that the Way is the means to improve one’s physical discipline but rather the physical discipline becomes the method or model to guide the practitioner on the path, or Way, toward a more spiritual path. Budo are no longer strictly disciplines meant for killing, or in modern times self-defense, but become models through which practitioners aspire to greater moral perfection. 

Bibliography:

Mann, Jeffrey K. “The Butjutsu - Budo Stereotype.” Classical Fighting Arts. Vol. 2 No. 27 (Issue #50):62 - 67