Abstract - Moral values, and the people of the noble way of martial arts
The aim of this study is to conduct a critical analysis of the ethics functioning in selected systems of martial arts. The theoretical perspective is based on the humanistic theory of martial arts, and the sociology and anthropology of martial arts.
The main method of research is a content analysis of documents and specialised literature, which is complemented by a qualitative method i.e. the author’s long-time participant observation of the international martial arts environment.
In terms of a diachronic and synchronic approach, old traditions of martial arts, Christian influences in the area and the question of what their ethos looks like today are consecutively analysed.
Thanks to Christian axiology the ethos of chivalry seems to be a unique achievement of historical warrior culture. The philosophy of idō is presented in an interesting way, as a result of the specific synergies between the ideas of East Asian martial arts and European knighthood. In contrast, the contemporary budō includes an axiological canon, which today manifests itself in various ways. This is particularly true of the multiform world of martial arts.