The word Budo is derived from the words:
武 Bu meaning "Martial" or "Combat"
道 Dō meaning "Way"
Budo, the "Martial Way", is a Japanese term for arts that use peaceful combat as a means of perfecting the self. The word Dō 道 comes from the Chinese word Tao and the philosophy of Taoism. Do does not mean the "way" or method of learning something, such as the learning the techniques of karate, but rather it is the path of life whereby what is learned is transcended into wisdom. Do and Zen are complementary. Zen 禅 seeks self-perfection through passive means, such as meditation. Do seeks self-perfection through active means, such as the training itself. In fact, the practice of kata is sometimes referred to as Dōzen 道禅, or "Moving Meditation". That which is gained through Budo is much more than just the techniques and applications of the martial arts, and it transforms all aspects of life.
The word Dōjō 道場, or training hall, literally means the "Way Place", and it is also the name of the room used for meditation in a Buddhist temple. A karate dojo is not a gym, even though the training is physically demanding and a lot of sweat is shed in a Kyokushin dojo. It is a sacred a place of learning, and as such, it is treated with respect. Karateka (karate practitioners) bow before entering or leaving the dojo. Shoes are not worn in the dojo not only to keep the dojo clean, but to keep the "outside world" out. Mokuso 黙想 (meditation) is sometimes done before training to clear the mind and depart from the "outside world", and after training to clear the mind again in order to return to the "outside world".
Budo developed from Bushidō 武士道 (the "Way of the Warrior"), the code of moral conduct and way of life of the Samurai. At the time, the extent of a warrior's skills and ability often determined whether he lived or died. According to the karate master Gogen Yamaguchi:
Now there are rules, but the techniques and elements have not changed... Now, karate is the battle against one's self and a means of the Way of one's life, not to defeat others or to die. This solitary fight is to know one's own spirit and the desire to the naught that is superior to the limitation of the body.
Kyokushin Karate as Budo Karate, a path toward self-perfection though the practice of the martial art:
Karate that has discarded Budo has no substance. It is nothing more than a barbaric method of fighting or a promotional tool for the purpose of profit. No matter how popular it becomes, it is meaningless