‘Nekono-Myoujutsu’, written by Itssai Chozanshi, while being guide to the practice of Budō skills(Ji) or mentality(Ri) is also a book of implied eastern philosophy and Buddhist thought. This work keeps in mind ‘Cock
Fighting’ of Chuang-tzu and adapts it to the subject of the attitude for Budō training and expresses allegorically the pursuit of the true way that consists not in technique and strength but in an emptied and free mind. Three cats express three types of Budō trainers. With the first type(an agile black cat), the writer points out the limitations of Budō training based on artificial knowledge and the need for complete freedom united with nature. With the second type(a large brindled cat), the writer emphasizes attaining the state of detachment and freedom that is not a temporary energy or strength based on youth. With the third type(a middle-aged gray cat), the writer points out the danger of an artificial softness and advises emptying the mind and adapting to nature. The protagonist, Seuken, is impressed by the teaching of the old cat and when he asks for teaching about the true way, the old cat says that when one forgets about property and self, one unites the outside world with self and is moved to adapt oneself to the senses of nature. The old cat also emphasizes that this truth must be realized for oneself.
In conclusion, the above-stated types teach that the functional characteristics of Budō training are ‘skill, force, mind’ and the purpose of Budō training is not victory in competition but the building of personal character.