Bujutsu
/buːˈdʒʊt.suː/noun
A Japanese term for martial techniques or traditional systems of warfare and combat.
Did you know?In Japan, bujutsu traditionally referred to practical combat systems, while the related term budō increasingly emphasized personal cultivation and a disciplined way of life.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Old Chinese
武
“Martial force, military ability, or warfare”
Ancient Chinese
Old Chinese
術
“Skill, method, technique, or specialized art”
Classical Chinese
Chinese
武術
“Martial techniques or military arts”
Ancient Japan
Japanese
武術 (bujutsu)
“Techniques of warfare and combat”
20th Century
English
bujutsu
“A Japanese loanword for traditional martial arts or combat systems”
Modern English
English
bujutsu
“Japanese martial techniques, especially those associated with older warrior traditions”