What's in a name: the "do" and "jutsu" debate
I have often read in recent years about the difference between a school practising "karatedo" and a school practising "karatejutsu". "Do" (道) of course means "way". This is a philosophical term referencing Daoism/Taoism as well as being a more practical, everyday noun (it could simply refer to a pathway or road). As with any Chinese character (hanzi or kanji), there are mulitple meanings, often simultaneously applicable. "Do" is commonly used as a suffix in naming multi-faceted traditional Japanese activities that are analogous to both traditional Western rituals/ceremonies and performance arts. "Jutsu" (術) on the other hand means technique, method, spell, skill or trick. It is often used as a suffix in naming a practical activity (eg. battōjutsu (抜刀術) meaning "the method of drawing a sword"). Accordingly it is ofen said that "karatedo" best describes karate as an activity that is largely ritualistic o...