Shugyo

[Charlie]

Can anyone tell me more about what this word means? I know it is usually translated as "austere self-discipline" but the way it's used makes me think it also means a day-in, say-out lifelong commitment to what one is doing. Am I reading too much into that?

[Nishi]

Hi Charlie, I only know the word from the phrase "musha shugyo".

The Definitive Guide (Ozawa sensei)
The term musha shugyo is somewhat out-dated, referring to the custom during the edo period (1603-1868) of practitioners of martial arts going around the country performing shugyo in order to polish their skills. The same thing happens today, though we no longer refer to by the same term.
(pg. 128)

Im sorry I dont know more about the meaning of the word.

[Sentunim]

修業 / しゅうぎょう / しゅぎょう : n vs 1）pursuit of knowledge 2）studying 3）learning 4）training 5）ascetic practice 6）discipline P

修行 / しゅうぎょう / しゅぎょう : n vs 1）pursuit of knowledge 2）studying 3）learning 4）training 5）ascetic practice 6）discipline P

主義 / しゅぎ : n 1）doctrine 2）rule 3）principle P

手技 / しゅぎ : 1）maneuver

I got this from a translator. If you can read Hiragana, the top two are shuugyou/shugyou. The third is shugi. As is the fourth.

I dont know if that is any help.

[enkorat]

Hi Charlie,


I've been working on the terms list and I think the definition that you're looking for is

武者修行 : traveling about to gain skill in combat.

The literal translation of the term is "musha" (first two characters) : warrior
Third is "shu" to study or master, fourth is "to go" or "to journey"

A second phrase that has the same pronounciation is made up of the same characters except for the last one.

武者修業 : a samurai or warrior drill.

The last character in this case is the same as the character as "waza" instead of "journey".

Hopes this helps.

[Charlie]

Thanks, y'all.

[Curtis]

Here you go:


Musha-shūgyō (n.) Pilgrimage to and study at Dōjōs with which one is not familiar, in order to gain a broader spectrum of techniques and experience.

Shu-gyō (n.) 1. Training for the acquisition of skill. 2. Pursuit of knowledge.
Shu-gyō (n.) Mental and technical training. / See Mushashugyō.

Shū-gyō-nengen (n.) 1. The number of years an individual has devoted to the development of skill in Kendō. 2. The minimum interval of years between Dan examinations.

[Charlie]

Just an addition, I e-mailed a friend of mine who is Japanese and this is what she wrote:

Me: Hey, I have a Japanese language question for you. I know that the word "shugyo" is one we use in kendo to describe studying and pursuing the knowledge and skill of kendo. Does it mean to have a disciplined, long-term approach, like a commitment to shugyo as a way of life?

Her: Yes, indeed. We use that a lot in a daily conversation. When you see
some immature behavior, we say, "shugyo ga tarinai" (not enough shugyo)
meaning that you have much to learn. My parents say that to me all the
time still.