This paper explores the role of Budo, the Japanese martial arts tradition, in fostering intercultural understanding among international students at a Japanese university.Budo is not only a practice of physical techniques but also a philosophical and ethical framework that emphasizes personal growth, respect, and mutual understanding.Through a study of students enrolled in a Japanese Martial Arts (Budo) course, this paper examines how Budo contributes to intercultural appreciation and dialogue.The course offers students insights into Japanese culture and martial arts traditions through practical and theoretical approaches.Using a qualitative narrative inquiry of student perspectives, the study identifies key themes such as cultural connection, universal values, personal growth, and cultural appreciation.The findings reveal that students perceive Budo as a bridge to understanding diverse traditions and values and how they resonate across cultures to enhance self-awareness and empathy.suggesting that Budo training fosters not only technical proficiency but also personal development and intercultural sensitivity.The study concludes by highlighting the potential of Budo as a tool for intercultural education and global citizenship, recommending further exploration of its educational benefits in diverse settings.
Sean O’Connell (Sun,) studied this question.