JAPAN IN
ONE MINUTE 
~ The Japanese Yojijukugo “Bunbu ryōdō” Teaching Balance Between Study and Martial Arts ~
Alright, I’ve finished studying for today,
so I’m going for a run now!
Huh, right now?!
Aren’t you tired after studying so much?
It’s fine! Exercising after studying helps me refresh myself!
Almis, you’re truly “Bunbu ryōdō“!
“Bunbu ryōdō“? What’s that?
“Bunbu ryōdō” is a Yojijukugo that means excelling in both academics and martial arts.
Want to learn what Yojijukugo are? Check out our introduction post here!
“Bun” means study, knowledge, and thought.
“Bu” means martial arts, physical strength, and fighting skills.
“ryōdō” means doing both at the same time or being good at both.
Tap to listen: “Bunbu ryōdō”
By the way, this “dō” is the same “dō” I explained earlier.
Want to learn what dō means? Check out our post here!
Does that mean it’s not enough to be good only at studying or only at sports?
Yes. In short, it’s about balancing intellectual growth with physical and mental strength.
Wow, Japanese people are really strict with themselves…
Traditionally, samurai practiced martial arts like swordsmanship and archery while also studying calligraphy,
literature, and philosophy. This balance of body and mind became the ideal of “Bunbu ryōdō“.
So the samurai didn’t just practice swordsmanship!
Training both the mind and spirit seems to be in the DNA of the Japanese.
Today, the idea is carried on in schools, sports, and work.
Encouraging people to develop both their studies and physical activities.
It’s considered a path to a richer, more balanced life.
Alright, I’ll aim for “Bunbu ryōdō” too!
First, I’ll go for a run with Almis!
Summary
“Bunbu ryōdō” (文武両道) is a Yojijukugo (Japanese four-character idiom). It means “excelling in both academics and martial arts.”.
