Bushido Virtue #1 : Gi or Rectitude

Let’s face it.  Rectitude is not a word used much in 21^st century America.  So what does it mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, rectitude is a word that originated from the Latin word rectus, meaning straight, or right.  From here, the definitions given include: moral integrity, righteousness, being correct in judgment or procedure, justice.

Inazo Nitobe said in “Bushido, the Soul of Japan” that ‘Nothing is more loathsome to him [the samaurai] than underhanded dealings and crooked undertakings.’  He also refers to the analogy of the human body.  He likened rectitude to the human skeleton, for without the skeleton the body has no shape, and likewise, without rectitude, one’s life has no framework within which to live. 

Essentially, Gi represents that which keeps one on “the path”, knowing right from wrong – and choosing the right.  It’s like a hiking compass that always points to true north no matter which way you turn while holding it.  The magnet inside the compass never varies in its sensing the magnetic pull of the North Pole and as such always, without fail, directs you north.    

So what does this look like in martial arts training?  From the very beginning, Gi demands of you complete adherence to the smallest of requests.  For a white belt, it might mean making absolutely sure you stop long enough and focus to execute a correct bow – feet together, hands at your sides, calming your mind for a moment, and trying your best.  For an intermediate belt, it might mean continuing to struggle with a kata or technique that is really tough for you that everyone else gets and refusing to compare yourself with others.  For a black belt, it might mean choosing to stay calm in the midst of others wanting you to show them your “Bruce Lee” moves or never giving up on the most difficult student in class that drives you crazy.

However, this virtue was never intended to be limited to a samaurai’s training time.  It was a way of life.  It invaded every thought, deed, & word that they had.  Ask yourself, do you *really* know what is right and what is wrong?  Do you choose what is right EVERY time?  Do you live a life that is above reproach?  Do your life choices cause consternation in others because you didn’t just do what everyone else does?       

We as humans do not naturally follow these virtues – we must work at pursuing them in our lives.  Think of others that demonstrate a life guided by Gi that you can emulate and think of things in your life that you need to get back in line and pointed north so you can be an example of Bushido.