What can the Samurai teach us about wisdom?
And how can that give us strength in fatherhood?
Success in these areas will be based on the imprint you leave on your life, your family, and your purpose.
None of us live forever, you won’t take your warrior physique with you…
So what does success look like to you?
Today, we delve into Samurai Wisdom For Strength In Fatherhood.
These teachings from the Bushido Code were the profound teachings of the Samurai, that they used as their guiding principles for how they lived and died.
These are a timeless source of wisdom for Dads, that not only shape the path of the warrior, but serve as a compass for success in every aspect of life.
We will explore:
- How the principles of the Bushido Code can fuel your fitness journey, combining Martial Arts discipline with modern insights
- Why the Bushido Code is the perfect guide for Dads
- The threads that connect the Bushido Code, to the challenges and triumphs of being a modern Dad
a brief history of Samurai principles
How can the Samurai’s way of life inspire us to navigate the complexities of being a great example, as well as raising and guiding our children?
Let’s tap into the spirit of the Samurai, as we decode the secrets that will help you stay on the path to great health.
The Bushido Code is also known as the “Way of the Warrior“, and is a set of ethical principles which were followed by the Samurai.
These principles are relevant in both Martial Arts and modern life, including how to navigating modern parenting.
The Samurai emerged as a branch of the aristocracy, and downgraded to the role of “attendants” to the non-militant nobility.
They were essentially, royal guardians with subdued political and social influence.
But they were far more than mere warriors.
Many among them transcended their Martial roles to become civil servants, scholars, physicians, philosophers, and artists, as well as popularising and shaping the Japanese tea ceremony.
The legendary Samurai and rōnin (a Samurai without a lord or master), Miyamoto Musashi, lived in the 17th century.
He was also a swordsman, philosopher, writer, artist and strategist.
He is widely considered one of the greatest swordsmen in Japanese history, and wrote The Book Of Five Rings in his final years.
So what does the Samurai Bushido Code have to do with being a Dad, and how can you use it as a guide to navigate today’s challenges?
Let me ask you this…
Why live life blindly when you can live by a code, a clear set of values?
If you lived STRICTLY by a set of guiding principles, which aligned with your values would you die more complete?
The principles of Bushido ruled samurai warriors, so let’s get into them now.
1. integrity
Be honest throughout your dealings with all people.
Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself.
To the true warrior, all points of view are deeply considered regarding honesty, justice, and integrity.
Warriors make a full commitment to their decisions.
Are you walking your talk, and taking actions that help you realise the vision and accomplish the goals you set?
Most Dads want the best for their kids, they enrol them in classes and programmes to help them develop their skills, stay active, and enjoy themselves.
But how many of those same Dads are still learning new skills?
Many men stop growing outside of their work, leaving them completely unrelatable to their children as they have stopped growing.
But those Dads that pick up a skill like Martial Arts, not only pave the way for their kids, but can bond through teaching their children life lessons and skills.
Miyamoto Musashi said “If you wish to control others you must first control yourself.”
2. heroic courage
A true warrior must have heroic courage.
It requires taking risks, and living life completely, and fully.
The saying goes, ‘A ship is always safe at shore’, but that is not what it’s built for.
And remember, heroic courage is not blind. It is intelligent and strong.
You must have the courage to believe in yourself when no one else does, and watch the profound effect it has on your success, and even the approach your children will have to failure too.
3. compassion
A true warrior is not like most people.
Through intense training and hard work, they become quick and strong.
The power they develop must be used for good to help their fellow men at every opportunity.
Whether you are on a journey to improve your physical or mental health, your family will benefit for generations if you do it the right way.
And remember to have compassion for yourself when things don’t go your way, learn to adapt, and learn to do better next time.
4. respect
Warriors do not need to prove their strength.
They don’t feel the need to put others down.
Warriors are respected for their strength in battle, and their dealings with others.
The true strength of a warrior becomes apparent during difficult times. So make sure you respect your body, as in its strength lies the capacity to protect, provide, and nurture your family.
5. honesty
A warrior keeps to his word.
Nothing will stop them from completing what they say they will do.
They do not have to ‘promise’. Speaking and doing are the same action.
Are you the Dad who is a master of excuses?
Do you tell yourself it’s ok to miss a training session because it’s cold, rainy, or because you have had a long day at work?
Earn more trust from your wife and children by following through on your commitments to yourself first, then they will follow your lead.
6. honour
Warriors have only one judge of honour and character… Themselves.
Decisions they make and how these decisions are carried out are a reflection of who they truly are.
You cannot hide from yourself.
In 40 years, will you look back and be proud of your actions, and habits today?
Or will you tell yourself that you could have done better? Or that you left so much of your potential on the table?
7. duty and loyalty
Warriors are responsible for everything they have done, and said, and all of the consequences that follow.
They are immensely loyal to all of those in their care.
To everyone that they are responsible for, they remain fiercely true.
There is only one question to ask when things don’t work out… What could I have done differently?
This could be missing quality time with your wife because you stayed late at work, and still had to fit in your training session.
Ask yourself, could you re-prioritise to make sure your health, and your family come first?
takeaways from samurai wisdom for strength in fatherhood
And that’s it, for Samurai Wisdom For Strength In Fatherhood!
Be a model of Integrity, heroic courage, compassion, respect, honesty, honour, duty and loyalty.
So next time you look at the success of an athlete, a fighter, a CEO, an entrepreneur and think they’ve always been like that.
It’s usually the result of years of discipline and a commitment to a code and/or guiding principles.
Yes, some people get lucky, and that is a part of life, some don’t need to work hard for it. But that is the exception, not the norm.
Whether you are here to learn how to drop the Dad Bod, build muscle in your sleep, or develop Samurai focus, success on your path will be your fulfilment.
It’s not about the scales, how much you can lift, not even your stress levels.
Success will be based on the imprint you leave on your life, your family, and your purpose. None of us live forever, you won’t take your warrior physique with you…
So what does success look like to you?
Transforming your life through your fitness journey can be hard, it’s now time to reflect on the steps that got you to where you are today.
Now, take a moment to give some thought to which virtues you will adopt from the Bushido Code to transform your life.
That’s it for today. See you next week for The Simple Formula To Get More Done, so you can stop procrastinating, feeling overwhelmed, or delaying your fitness goals. I’ll give you my simple step by step formula to find time for your training, look and feel great, and be the example you want to be for your kids 👀
here are three ways i can help you to build samurai wisdom for strength in fatherhood
Your Fitness Battle Plan – Ready to build your Warrior’s physique in just 30 minutes a day? Let’s chat. Book a quick call with me.
Check out my YouTube – I’m sharing the step-by-step processes my students and I follow to get AND stay in shape year-round.
Connect with me on LinkedIn – For more training systems, fitness tips, and ancient Martial Arts wisdom.
Maintain Order Warriors 
