Through the practice of budo, we are learning how to live. That is to say, if you only look at budo from the physical perspective, then you would ascertain that the techniques are the essence of budo.
But, in order to make the techniques a part of you, one has to look into them more deeply. This requires leading a noble life and having a strong sense of fairness. If you look at budo from the other side, i.e. metaphysically, you can develop your character into someone noble.