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Japanese martial arts refers to the enormous variety of martial arts native to Japan. Hawaiian State Grappling Championships. ...
 Late 19th century photograph of a Japanese mountain warrior-priest ( yamabushi) fully robed and equipped, armed with a naginata and tachi. Image File history File links 19th century photograph of a Yamabushi. ...
Image File history File links 19th century photograph of a Yamabushi. ...
Modern-day yamabushi blowing a horagai Yamabushi ) (Literally: Those who hide in the mountains) were Japanese mountain ascetics and warriors, mostly of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. ...
A samurai wielding a naginata Naginata (ãªãŽãªãŸ, 長刀 or 薙刀) is a pole weapon that was traditionally used in Japan by members of the samurai class. ...
Tachi forged by Bishu Osafune Sukesada, 12th year of the Eishô era, a day in February (1515, Muromachi). ...
History The historical origin of Japanese martial arts can be found in the warrior traditions of the samurai and the caste system that restricted the use of weapons by members of the non-warrior classes. Originally, samurai were expected to be proficient in many weapons, as well as unarmed combat, and attain the highest possible mastery of combat skills, for the purpose of glorifying either themselves or their liege. Over time, this purpose gave way to a philosophy of achieving spiritual goals by striving to perfect their martial skills. Japanese samurai in armour, 1860s. ...
The word Caste is derived from the Portuguese word casta, meaning lineage, breed or race. ...
Liege or Liège has several meanings: A Liège is a classic sporting car, designed for personal assembly, by Peter Davis in Evesham, UK, and often used in Classic Trials and other long distance motoring events A liege is the person or entity to which one has pledged allegiance. ...
 Disarming an attacker using a tachi-dori ("sword-taking") technique. Ordinarily, the development of combative techniques is intertwined with the tools used to execute those techniques. In a rapidly changing world, those tools are constantly being improved upon, requiring the techniques to use them to be continuously reinvented. The history of Japan is somewhat unique in its relative isolation. Compared with the rest of the world, the Japanese tools of war evolved slowly. Many people believe that this afforded the warrior class the opportunity to study their weapons with greater depth than other cultures. Nevertheless, the teaching and training of these martial arts did evolve, first with conditions on the battlefield (archery giving way to the sword; glaive giving way to spear), then through a long period of peace, and finally into modern times. Over time two trends defined the arts - first there was increasing specialization, and second, many of the arts took on trappings of budo which implies a higher purpose than just the mastering of arms. Image File history File links PRehse002-cropped. ...
Image File history File links PRehse002-cropped. ...
Budo (æ¦é“) is a term for Japanese martial arts. ...
The martial arts developed or originating in Japan are extraordinarily diverse, with vast differences in training tools, methods, and philosophy across innumerable schools and styles. That said, Japanese martial arts may generally be divided into koryū and gendai budo based on whether they existed prior to or after the Meiji Restoration, respectively. Since gendai budo and koryū often share the same historical origin, one will find various types of martial arts (such as jujutsu, kenjutsu, or naginatajutsu) on both sides of the divide. KoryÅ« (å¤æµ) is a Japanese word that is used in association with the ancient Japanese martial arts. ...
Gendai BudÅ (ç¾ä»£ æ¦é“) means Modern martial arts in Japanese. ...
The Meiji Restoration ), also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution, or Renewal, was a chain of events that led to enormous changes in Japans political and social structure. ...
This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...
Kenjutsu ), meaning the craft, art, or science of the sword, is a Japanese martial art that uses a specific methodology to teach the use of the katana (Japanese sword). ...
Naginatajutsu (ãªãŽãªãŸè¡“, 長刀術 or 薙刀術) is the Japanese Martial art of wielding the naginata, a weapon resembling the medieval European glaive. ...
- A note on the organization of this article; it would be impossible to discuss Japanese martial arts in terms of the thousands of individual schools or styles, such as Ittō-ryū, Daitō-ryū, or Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū. Instead, major sections are divided based on when the art originated (regardless of whether it is still practiced), and subsections are dedicated to the root type of martial art, such as jujutsu (the art of empty-handed combat through use of indirect application of force) or kendo (Japanese sport fencing), wherein notable styles or major differences between styles may be discussed.
For the manga, see Blade of the Immortal IttÅ-ryÅ« (one sword school) is the ancestor school of several Japanese koryu kenjutsu styles: They include: // The oldest of the many Itto-ryu ryu styles which branched off from Ittosai Kagehisas original art, the Itto-ryu, it continues to be...
DaitÅ-ryÅ« aiki-jÅ«jutsu (大æ±æµåˆæ°—柔術), originally called Daito-ryÅ« jujutsu (大æ±æµæŸ”è¡“), is a Japanese martial art that first became widely known in the early 20th century under the headmastership of Sokaku Takeda (æ¦ç”° 惣角 Takeda SÅkaku). ...
Tenshin ShÅden Katori ShintÅ-ryÅ« (天真æ£ä¼é¦™å–神é“æµ) is one of the oldest extant martial arts in Japan, an exemplar of koryÅ« bujutsu. ...
Koryū -
- See also: List of koryū schools of martial arts
Koryū (古流:こりゅう, Koryū?), meaning traditional school, or old school, refers specifically to schools of martial arts, originating in Japan, either prior to the beginning of the Meiji Restoration in 1866, or the Haitōrei edict in 1876. [1] The term also is used generally to indicate that a particular style or art is "traditional", rather than "modern". However, what it means for an art to be either "traditional" or "modern" is subject to some debate. As a general rule of thumb, the primary purpose of a koryū martial art was for use in war. The most extreme example of a koryū school is one that preserves its traditional, and often ancient, martial practices even in the absence of continuing wars in which to test them. Other koryū schools may have made modifications to their practices that reflect the passage of time (which may or may not have resulted in the loss of "koryū" status in the eyes of its peers). This is as opposed to "modern" martial arts, whose primary focus is generally upon the self-improvement (mental, physical, or spiritual) of the individual practitioner, with varying degrees of emphasis on the practical application of the martial art for either sport or self defense purposes.[citation needed] KoryÅ« (å¤æµ) is a Japanese word that is used in association with the ancient Japanese martial arts. ...
This is a list of schools of martial arts that are considered koryū (lit. ...
The Meiji Restoration ), also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution, or Renewal, was a chain of events that led to enormous changes in Japans political and social structure. ...
The HaitÅ edict ) was executed on March 28, 1876, in the 9th year of the Meiji Emperor. ...
The following subsections represent not individual schools of martial arts, but rather generic "types" of martial arts. These are generally distinguishable on the basis of their training methodology and equipment, though wide variation still exists within each.
Sumo
 A sumo match between Kaio Hiroyuki (博之 魁皇 Hiroyuki Kaiō, born 1972) and Arata Okabe (born 1977) in May 2005. -
Sumo (相撲:すもう, sumō?), considered by many to be Japan's national sport, has its origins in the distant past. The earliest written records of Japan, which are dated from the eighth century A.D., record the first sumo match in 23 B.C., occurring specifically at the request of the emperor and continuing until one man was too wounded to continue. Beginning in 728 A.D., the emperor Shōmu Tennō (聖武 天皇, 701–756) began holding official sumo matches at the annual harvest festivals. This tradition of having matches in the presence of the emperor continued, but gradually spread, with matches also held at Shinto festivals, and sumo training was eventually incorporated into military training. By the seventeenth century, sumo was an organized professional sport, open to the public, enjoyed by both the upper class and commoners. Sumo match at the Kokugikan sumo arena (Ozeki Kaio vs. ...
Sumo match at the Kokugikan sumo arena (Ozeki Kaio vs. ...
Kaio Hiroyuki (é皇åšä¹‹, born July 24, 1972 as Hiroyuki Koga) is a professional sumo wrestler from Fukuoka, Japan. ...
This article does not cite its references or sources. ...
Emperor ShÅmu (è–æ¦å¤©çš‡ ShÅmu TennÅ) (701 - May 2, 756[]) was the 45th imperial ruler of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. ...
Today, sumo retains much of its traditional trappings, including a referee dressed as a Shinto priest, and a ritual where the competitors clap hands, stomp their feet, and throw salt in the ring prior to each match. To win a match, competitors employ throwing and grappling techniques to force the other man to the ground; the first man to touch the ground with a part of the body other than the bottom of the feet, or touch the ground outside the ring with any part of the body, loses. Six grand tournaments are held annually in Japan, and each professional fighter's name and relative ranking is published after each tournament in an official list, called the banzuke, which is followed religiously by sumo fans.
Jujutsu -
 Jujutsu training at an agricultural school in Japan around 1920. Jujutsu (柔術:じゅうじゅつ, jūjutsu?), literally translates to "art of pliance". More accurately, however, it means the art of using indirect force, such as joint locks or throwing techniques, to defeat an opponent, as opposed to direct force such as a punch or a kick. This is not to imply that jujutsu does not teach or employ strikes, but rather that the art's aim is the ability to use an attacker's force against him, and counter-attack where he is weakest or least defended. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...
Image File history File links JUJITSU_(AND_RIFLES)_in_an_agricultural_school. ...
Image File history File links JUJITSU_(AND_RIFLES)_in_an_agricultural_school. ...
A joint lock (in Japanese, 関節技 kansetsu-waza) is the general term for martial arts techniques involving painful manipulation of the joints. ...
Methods of combat included striking (kicking, punching), throwing (body throws, joint-lock throws, unbalance throws), restraining (pinning, strangulating, grappling, wrestling) and weaponry. Defensive tactics included blocking, evading, off balancing, blending and escaping. Minor weapons such as the tantō (dagger), ryufundo kusari (weighted chain), jutte (helmet smasher), and kakushi buki (secret or disguised weapons) were almost always included in koryū jujutsu. Two TantÅ tantÅ blade hidden in a fan-shaped mounting A TantÅ (çŸåˆ€) is a Japanese knife or dagger with a blade length of about 15 - 30 cm (6 - 12). There is a disputed saying about the tantÅ, wakizashi, and katana stating they are The TantÅ differs from the others as...
Most of these were battlefield-based systems to be practiced as companion arts to the more common and vital weapon systems. At the time, these fighting arts were used many different names, including kogusoku, yawara, kumiuchi, and hakuda. In reality, these grappling systems were not really unarmed systems of combat, but are more accurately described as means whereby an unarmed or lightly armed warrior could defeat a heavily armed and armored enemy on the battlefield. Ideally, the samurai would be armed and would not need to rely on such techniques.[citation needed]
In later times, other koryū developed into systems more familiar to the practitioners of the jujutsu commonly seen today. These systems are generally designed to deal with opponents neither wearing armor nor in a battlefield environment. For this reason, they include extensive use of atemi waza (vital-striking technique). These tactics would be of little use against an armored opponent on a battlefield. They would, however, be quite valuable to anyone confronting an enemy or opponent during peacetime dressed in normal street attire. Occasionally, inconspicuous weapons such as knives or tessen (iron fans) were included in the curriculum.[citation needed]
Today, jujutsu is practiced in many forms, both ancient and modern. Various methods of jujutsu have been incorporated or synthesized into judo and aikido, as well as being exported throughout the world and transformed into sport wrestling systems, adopted in whole or part by schools of karate or other unrelated martial arts, still practiced as they were centuries ago, or all of the above.
Swordsmanship - See also: Katana
Swordsmanship, the art of the sword, is believed by many to be the paramount martial art, surpassing all others. Regardless of the truth of that belief, the sword itself has been the subject of stories and legends through virtually all cultures in which it has been employed as a tool for violence. In Japan, the use of the katana is no different. Although originally the most important skills of the warrior class were skill at riding a horse and shooting the bow, this eventually gave way to swordsmanship. The earliest swords, which can be dated as far back as the Kofun era (3rd and 4th centuries) were primarily straight bladed. According to legend, curved swords made strong by the famous folding process were first forged by the smith Amakuni Yasutsuna (天國 安綱, c.700 AD).[2] Other sources explain that the folding process was brought to Japan from China. This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...
Swiss longsword, 15th or 16th century Look up Sword in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...
This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...
Kofun period (Japanese: å¤å¢³æ™‚代, Kofun-jidai) is an era in the history of Japan from around AD 250 to 538. ...
Amakuni ) is the legendary swordsmith who created the first single-edged longsword (tachi) with curvature along the edge in the Yamato Province around 700 AD. He was the head of a group of swordsmiths employed by the Emperor of Japan to make weapons for his warriors. ...
 Two katana on display. The one on top has been stripped of most of its "furniture" (parts comprising the handle and hilt). The primary development of the sword occurred between 987 A.D. and 1597 A.D. This development is characterized by profound artistry during peaceful eras, and renewed focus on durability, utility, and mass production during the intermittent periods of warfare, most notably civil warfare during the 12th century and Mongolian invasion during the 13th century (which in particular saw the transition from mostly horseback archery to hand to hand ground fighting). Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1600x1200, 920 KB) 2006å¹´ã€æŠ•ç¨¿è€…自身ã«ã‚ˆã‚‹æ’®å½±ã€‚日本刀 岡山城ã«ã¦ from ja wp (削除) (最新版) 2006å¹´2月8æ—¥ (æ°´) 13:49 . ...
Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1600x1200, 920 KB) 2006å¹´ã€æŠ•ç¨¿è€…自身ã«ã‚ˆã‚‹æ’®å½±ã€‚日本刀 岡山城ã«ã¦ from ja wp (削除) (最新版) 2006å¹´2月8æ—¥ (æ°´) 13:49 . ...
This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...
The following text needs to be harmonized with text in the article History of Japan#Kamakura Period. ...
Combatants Mongol Empire Japan Commanders Kublai Khan HÅjÅ Tokimune Strength 35,000 Mongol & Chinese soldiers and 18,000 Korean warriors 10,000 Casualties 16,000 killed before landed minimal Defensive wall at Hakata. ...
This development of the sword is paralleled by the development of the methods used to wield it. During times of peace, the warriors trained with the sword, and invented new ways to implement it. During war, these theories were tested. After the war ended, those who survived examined what worked and what didn't, and passed their knowledge on. In 1600 A.D., Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川 家康, 1543–1616) gained total control of all of Japan, and the country entered a period of prolonged peace that would last until the First World War. During this period, the techniques to use the sword underwent a transition from a primarily utilitarian art for killing, to one encompassing a philosophy of personal development and spiritual perfection. Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu The Tokugawa clan crest This is a Japanese name; the family name is Tokugawa Tokugawa Ieyasu (previously spelled Iyeyasu) January 31, 1543 – June 1, 1616) was the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan which ruled from the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 until...
WWI may be an acronym for: World War I World Wrestling Industry This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists pages that might otherwise share the same title. ...
The terminology used to describe the Japanese art of swordsmanship is somewhat ambiguous. Many names have been used to describe various aspects of the art, or to encompass the art as a whole.
Kenjutsu -
Kenjutsu (剣術:けんじゅつ, Kenjutsu?) literally means "the art/science of the sword". Although the term has been used as a general term to refer to swordsmanship as a whole, modernly, "kenjutsu" is more often used to refer to the specific aspect of swordsmanship dealing with partnered sword training. It is the oldest form of training, and at its simplest level, consists of two partners with swords drawn, practicing combat drills. Historically practiced with wooden katana (bokken), this most often consists of pre-determined forms, called kata, or sometimes called kumitachi, and similar to the partner drills practiced in kendo. Among advanced students, kenjutsu training may also include increasing degrees of freestyle practice. Kenjutsu ), meaning the craft, art, or science of the sword, is a Japanese martial art that uses a specific methodology to teach the use of the katana (Japanese sword). ...
A pair of bokken A bokken (, bok(u), wood, and ken, sword), is a wooden Japanese sword used for training, usually the size and shape of a katana, but sometimes shaped like other swords. ...
Kata (åž‹ or å½¢) (literally: form) is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs. ...
Battōjutsu -
Battōjutsu (抜刀術:ばっとうじゅつ, Battōjutsu?), literally meaning "the art/science of drawing a sword", and developed in the mid-15th century, is the aspect of swordsmanship focused upon the efficient draw of the sword, cutting down one's enemy, and returning the sword to its scabbard (saya). The term came into use specifically during the Warring States Period (15th–17th cent.). Closely related to, but predating iaijutsu, battōjutsu training emphasizes defensive counter-attacking. Battōjutsu training technically incorporates kata, but generally consist of only a few moves, focusing on stepping up to an enemy, drawing, performing one or more cuts, and sheathing the weapon. Battōjutsu exercises tend to lack the elaborateness, as well as the aesthetic considerations of iaijutsu or iaidō kata. Finally, note that use of the name alone is not dispositive; what is battōjutsu to one school may be iaijutsu to another. BattÅjutsu ) is a sword-based Japanese martial art. ...
A scabbard is a sheath for holding a sword. ...
Saya can be either: a sword sheath for a katana. ...
Alternative meaning: Warring States Period (Japan) The Warring States Period (Traditional Chinese: 戰國時代; Simplified Chinese: 战国时代; Pinyin: Zhà nguó ShÃdà i) covers the period from sometime in the 5th century BC to the unification of China by the Qin in 221 BC. It is nominally considered to be the second part...
Iaijutsu and Iaidō -
Iaijutsu (居合術:いあいじゅつ, Iaijutsu?), approximately "the art/science of mental presence and immediate reaction", is also the Japanese martial art of drawing the sword. However, unlike battōjutsu, iaijutsu tends to be technically more complex, and there is a much stronger focus upon perfecting form. The primary technical aspects are smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard, striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade, and then replacing the sword in the scabbard. Respect shown to the sword (To·ne·rei) before and after practice. ...
Iaidō (居合道:いあいどう, Iaidō?), which would be "the way of mental presence and immediate reaction", is frequently identical to iaijutsu. The replacement of jutsu with dō is part of the 20th century emphasis upon personal and spiritual development; an evolution that took place in many martial arts. In the case of iaidō, some schools merely changed in name without altering the curriculum, and others embraced the wholesale change from a combat-orientation to spiritual growth.
Naginatajutsu
 A samurai wielding a naginata. -
Naginatajutsu (長刀術:なぎなたじゅつ, Naginatajutsu?) is the Japanese martial art of wielding the naginata, a weapon resembling the medieval European glaive. Most naginata practice today is in a modernized form (gendai budō) called the "way of naginata" (naginata-dō) or "new naginata" (atarashii naginata), in which competitions are also held. Image File history File links Samurai_with_Naginata. ...
Image File history File links Samurai_with_Naginata. ...
Naginatajutsu (ãªãŽãªãŸè¡“, 長刀術 or 薙刀術) is the Japanese Martial art of wielding the naginata, a weapon resembling the medieval European glaive. ...
A samurai wielding a naginata Naginata (ãªãŽãªãŸ, 長刀 or 薙刀) is a pole weapon that was traditionally used in Japan by members of the samurai class. ...
A glaive is a polearm consisting of a single-edged blade on the end of a pole. ...
Sōjutsu -
Sōjutsu (槍術:そうじゅつ, Sōjutsu?) is the martial art of fighting with the spear (yari). For most of the history of Japan, sōjutsu was practiced extensively by traditional schools. In times of war, it was a primary skill of many soldiers. Modernly, it is a minor art that very few schools still teach. SÅjutsu (æ§è¡“, sometimes incorrectly read as yarijutsu) is the art of fighting with the Japanese spear, yari (æ§). SÅjutsu is typically only a single component of curriculum in comprehensive Japanese koryu schools; for example Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu includes spear fighting techniques. ...
Hunting spear and knife, from Mesa Verde National Park. ...
several yari, including one hafted with a simple crossbar straight yari head with saya Jumonji yari head use of yari in mock combat Yari (æ§) is the Japanese term for spear, or more specifically, the straight-headed spear. ...
 Samurai with assorted weapons. ImageMetadata File history File links Samurai_with_weapons_-_Kusakabe,_Kimbei,_1841-1934. ...
ImageMetadata File history File links Samurai_with_weapons_-_Kusakabe,_Kimbei,_1841-1934. ...
Other koryū martial arts The original martial art schools of Japan were almost entirely sogo (comprehensive) bujutsu. With the long peace of the Tokugawa shogunate there was an increase in specialization with many schools identifying themselves with particular major battle field weapons. However, there were many additional weapons employed by the warriors of feudal Japan, and an art to wielding each. Usually they were studied as secondary or tertiary weapons within a school but there are exceptions, such as the art of wielding the short staff, (jōjutsu) which was the primary art taught by the Shintō Musō-ryū. The Tokugawa shogunate or Tokugawa bakufu (å¾³å·å¹•åºœ) (also known as the Edo bakufu) was a feudal military dictatorship of Japan established in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu and ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family until 1868. ...
Jodo (Japanese:æ–è¡“), or Jojutsu, is a Japanese martial art using staves (jo), similar to bojutsu, in defense against the Japanese sword. ...
ShintÅ MusÅ-ryÅ«, or ShindÅ MusÅ-ryÅ« ), most commonly known by its practice of jÅdÅ, is a traditional school (koryÅ«) of the Japanese martial art of jÅjutsu, or the art of wielding the short staff (jÅ). The technical purpose of the art is to learn how to defeat...
Other arts existed to teach military skills other than the use of weaponry. Examples of these include marine skills such as swimming and river-fording (suieijutsu), firestarting and demolition (kajutsu), horsemanship (bajutsu). Marine is an umbrella term for things relating to the ocean, as with marine biology, marine geology, and as a term for a navy, etc. ...
This article concentrates on human swimming. ...
A ford, with pedestrian footbridge, on a minor road near Weimar bei Kassel in Germany The ford at Brockenhurst, leading into the village centre, following heavy rain. ...
Suijutsu (æ°´è¡“) or suieijutsu is the Japanese martial art of combative swimming. ...
Demolition of the Old Myer Building, Perth, Western Australia. ...
Kajutsu is the term used in Japanese martial arts to refer to techniques related to fire or Ka. ...
Equestrianism relates to the riding of horses. ...
Bajutsu, also known as jobajutsu, is the term used in Japanese martial arts to refer to horsemanship. ...
Gendai budō -
Gendai budō (現代武道:げんだいぶどう, Gendai budō?), literally meaning "modern martial way", is a generic term used to describe Japanese martial arts that are considered "modern". That is, either the art was founded after the beginning of the Meiji Restoration in 1866, or an art practiced since before 1866 changed its methodology in such a way that it lost koryū status, and is now considered gendai budō. For example, aikido and judo are examples of gendai budō that were founded in the modern era, while iaidō represents the modernization of a practice that has existed for centuries. Gendai budÅ (ç¾ä»£ æ¦é“) is a Japanese expression that is used to define the modern Japanese martial arts. ...
The core difference is, as was explained under "koryū", above, that koryū arts are practiced as they were when their primary utility was for use in war, while the primary purpose of gendai budō is for self-improvement, with application as a secondary purpose. Additionally, many of the gendai budō have included a modern sporting element to them. Judo and kendo are both good examples of this.
Judo
 Judoka executing a throw. -
Judo (柔道:じゅうどう, jūdō?), literally meaning "gentle way" or "way of softness", is a modern martial art, practiced primarily as a sport, and is a form of grappling. It contains substantially the same emphasis on the personal, spiritual, and physical self-improvement of its practitioners as can be found throughout gendai budō. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (750x984, 69 KB) Summary A throw in Judo. ...
Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (750x984, 69 KB) Summary A throw in Judo. ...
Judo ), meaning gentle way, is a modern Japanese martial art (gendai budÅ) and combat sport, that originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. ...
Hawaiian State Grappling Championships. ...
Judo was created by Kano Jigoro (嘉納 治五郎 Kanō Jigorō, 1860–1938) at the end of the 19th century. Kano was a brilliant martial artist educated at the Tokyo Imperial University. The combination of martial talent and formal education enabled Kano to take the koryū martial arts he learned (specifically Kitō-ryū and Tenjin Shin'yo-ryū jujutsu), and systematically reinvent them into a martial art with an emphasis on freestyle practice and competition. Kano devised a powerful system of new techniques and training methods, which famously culminated on June 11, 1886, in a tournament that would later be dramatized by celebrated Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa (黒沢 明 Kurosawa Akira, 1910–1998), in the film "Sanshiro Sugata" (1943). In that tournament, fifteen of Kano's students faced fifteen students from a rival jujutsu school. The result was two losses, one draw, and twelve victories for the judo students.[citation needed] Dr. Jigoro Kano (嘉納 治五郎 Kanō Jigorō, 1860 in Kobe, Japan - 1938) founded the sport of Judo. ...
Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ...
The Yasuda Auditorium on the University of Tokyos Hongo Campus. ...
The Kito-ryū school of jujutsu is a koryu martial art whose syllabus comprises of atemi-waza (striking techniques), nage-waza (throwing techniques), kansetsu-waza (joint locking techniques) and shime-waza (choking techniques). ...
Tenjin Shinyo-ryu can be classified as a koryu (traditional) form of jujutsu. ...
Akira Kurosawa , 23 March 1910—6 September 1998) was a prominent Japanese film director, film producer, and screenwriter. ...
Sanshiro Sugata , aka Judo Saga) is a 1943 film written and directed by Akira Kurosawa, based on a novel by Tomita Tsuneo. ...
Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964, and has spread throughout the world. Kano Jigoro's original school, the "Kodokan", has students worldwide, and many other schools have been founded by Kano's students. Of particular note is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which traces its history back to Kodokan judo practictioner Mitsuyo Maeda (1880–1941), who emigrated to Brazil in the early twentieth century and taught his judo there. Today, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a practice distinct from Olympic judo, which is the predominant form of judo practiced.[citation needed] The five Olympic rings were designed in 1913, adopted in 1914 and debuted at the Games at Antwerp, 1920. ...
1964 (MCMLXIV) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1964 calendar). ...
The Kodokan Institute is the headquarters of the Judo World. ...
This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...
Mitsuyo Maeda was a Japanese judoka, catch wrestler and prize-fighter often referred to as Count Combat (or Conde Koma in Brazil, although he actually earned the nickname in Spain by 1908). ...
Kendo
 Kendo training at an agricultural school in Japan around 1920. -
Kendo (剣道:けんどう, kendō?), meaning the "way of the sword", is the sport of Japanese fencing. It is a relatively modern evolution of the art of kenjutsu, and its exercises and practice are descended from several particular schools of swordsmanship. The primary technical influence in its development was the kenjutsu school of Ittō-ryū (founded c. 1500s A.D.), whose core philosophy revolved around the concept that all strikes in swordsmanship revolve around the technique kiri-oroshi (vertical downward cut). The modern form of kendo really began to take shape with the introduction of bamboo swords, called shinai, and the set of lightweight wooden armour, called bogu, by Naganuma Sirōzaemon Kunisato (長沼 四郎左衛門 国郷, 1688–1767), which allowed for the practice of strikes at full speed and power without risk of injury to the competitors.-1...
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Kendo ), or way of the sword, is the martial art of Japanese fencing. ...
Fencing advertisement for the 1900 Summer Olympic Games This article is about the sport, which is distinguished from stage fencing and academic fencing (mensur). ...
For the manga, see Blade of the Immortal IttÅ-ryÅ« (one sword school) is the ancestor school of several Japanese koryu kenjutsu styles: They include: // The oldest of the many Itto-ryu ryu styles which branched off from Ittosai Kagehisas original art, the Itto-ryu, it continues to be...
A Shinai made from Bamboo A shinai (Japanese: ) is a practice weapon used primarily in Kendo. ...
Kendo Bogu The Bogu ), special protective armor in the kendo and naginata martial arts, consists of: men: helmet do: trunk protector kote: hand and forearm protector tare: hip protector sune-ate: shin protectors worn only by naginata practitioners The men protects the neck and face. ...
Today, virtually the entire practice of kendo is governed by the All Japan Kendo Federation, founded in 1951. Competitions are judged by points, with the first competitor to score two points on his opponent declared the winner. One point may be scored with a successful and properly executed strike to any of several targets: a thrust to the throat, or a strike to the top of the head, sides of the head, sides of the body, or forearms. Practitioners also compete in forms (kata) competitions, using either wooden or blunted metal swords, according to a set of forms promulgated by the AJKF. The All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) or Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei was founded in 1952. ...
Aikido -
Aikido (合氣道:あいきどう, aikidō?) is a gendai budō, a modern Japanese martial art, developed by Morihei Ueshiba (植芝 盛平 Ueshiba Morihei, 1883 – 1969). The art consists of "striking", "throwing," and "joint locking" techniques and is known for its fluidity and blending with an attacker, rather than meeting "force with force". Emphasis is upon joining with the rhythm and intent of the opponent in order to find the optimal position and timing with which to apply force. Aikido is also known for emphasizing the spiritual and philosophical development of its students reflecting the religious background of its founder. Aikido ), translated as the way of harmonious spirit, is a modern Japanese martial art (gendai budÅ) developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. ...
Morihei Ueshiba Morihei Ueshiba (æ¤èŠ 盛平 Ueshiba Morihei, December 14, 1883–April 26, 1969) was a famous martial artist and founder of the Japanese martial art of aikido. ...
Morihei Ueshiba developed aikido mainly from Daitō-ryū aiki-jūjutsu, incorporating training movements such as those for the yari (spear), jō (a short quarterstaff), and perhaps also juken (bayonet). Arguably the strongest influence is that of kenjutsu and in many ways, an aikido practitioner moves as an empty handed swordsman. DaitÅ-ryÅ« aiki-jÅ«jutsu (大æ±æµåˆæ°—柔術), originally called Daito-ryÅ« jujutsu (大æ±æµæŸ”è¡“), is a Japanese martial art that first became widely known in the early 20th century under the headmastership of Sokaku Takeda (æ¦ç”° 惣角 Takeda SÅkaku). ...
several yari, including one hafted with a simple crossbar straight yari head with saya Jumonji yari head use of yari in mock combat Yari (æ§) is the Japanese term for spear, or more specifically, the straight-headed spear. ...
Hunting spear and knife, from Mesa Verde National Park. ...
A jÅ (æ–:ã˜ã‚‡ã†) is an approximately four-foot (1. ...
Quarterstaffs in use, from Old English Sports, Pastimes and Customs, published 1891 A quarterstaff is a medieval English variant of the staff weapon, consisting of a shaft of hardwood, sometimes with metal-reinforced tips. ...
The US Marine Corps OKC-3S Bayonet A bayonet (from French baïonnette) is a knife- or dagger-shaped weapon designed to fit on or over the muzzle of a rifle barrel or similar weapon. ...
Kenjutsu ), meaning the craft, art, or science of the sword, is a Japanese martial art that uses a specific methodology to teach the use of the katana (Japanese sword). ...
Kyūdō -
Kyūdō (弓道:きゅうどう, Kyūdō?), which means “way of the bow,” is the modern name for Japanese archery. Originally in Japan, Kyujutsu, the “art of the bow,” was a discipline of the samurai, the Japanese warrior class. The bow is a long range weapon that allowed a military unit to engage an opposing force while it was still far away. If the archers were mounted on horseback, they could be used to even more devastating effect as a mobile weapons platform, archers were also used in sieges and sea battles. However, from the 16th century onward, firearms slowly displaced the bow as the dominant battlefield weapon. As the bow lost its significance as a weapon of war, and under the influence of Buddhism, Shinto, Daoism and Confucianism, Japanese archery evolved into Kyudō, the “Way of the Bow.” In some schools Kyudō is practiced as a highly refined contemplative practice, while in other schools it is practiced as a modern day sport. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2000x3008, 5878 KB) Kyudo - full draw/Kai Photo by: Kollotzek/Wallrafen 2004 Kyudoka with Hakama and Gi I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ...
Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2000x3008, 5878 KB) Kyudo - full draw/Kai Photo by: Kollotzek/Wallrafen 2004 Kyudoka with Hakama and Gi I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ...
A full draw, called kai. KyūdŠ), literally meaning way of the bow, is the Japanese art of archery. ...
A bow is an ancient weapon that shoots arrows powered by the elasticity of the bow. ...
In Target Archery, the object is to hit targets such as this to score points. ...
Japanese samurai in armour, 1860s. ...
Look up class in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...
Buddhism is a dharmic, non-theistic religion and a philosophy. ...
Shinto ) is the native religion of Japan and was once its state religion. ...
For other uses of the words tao and dao, see Dao (disambiguation). ...
The image above is a candidate for speedy deletion. ...
Karate -
- See also: Okinawan kobudō
Karate (空手:からて, Karate?) means "empty hand". Karate originated on the island of Okinawa. It is a fusion of pre-existing Okinawan martial arts, called "ti", and Chinese martial arts, so is strictly speaking, not a Japanese martial art, but rather it is an art that has been adopted and developed by the Japanese. Indeed, the word "karate" was originally a generic term for Chinese martial arts, and written with homophonic ideograms meaning "China hand", rather than "empty hand". Karate ) ( ) or karate-dÅ ) is a martial art that developed from a synthesis of indigenous Ryukyuan fighting methods and Chinese kempo [1]. Karate originally meant Te, or hand, i. ...
It has been suggested that Kobudo be merged into this article or section. ...
This article is about the prefecture. ...
Chinese martial arts describes the enormous variety of martial arts styles originating in China. ...
In music, the word texture is often used in a rather vague way in reference to the overall sound of a piece of music. ...
A Chinese character. ...
Karate's route to Japan began with Gichin Funakoshi (船越 義珍 Funakoshi Gichin, 1868–1957), who is called the father of modern karate, and is the founder of Shotokan karate. Although some Okinawan karate practitioners were already living and teaching in Japan, Funakoshi gave public demonstrations of karate in Japan at a physical education exhibition sponsored by the ministry of education 1917, and again in 1922. As a result, Karate training was subsequently incorporated into Japan's public school system. It was also at this time that the white unforms and the kyū/dan ranking system (both originally implemented by judo's founder, Kano Jigoro) were adopted. Gichin Funakoshi (船越 義ç Funakoshi Gichin, 1868–1957) was an Okinawan karate master who formally introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921. ...
Shotokan is a school of karate, developed from various martial arts by master Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) and his son Yoshitaka. ...
KyÅ« (ç´š:ãã‚…ã†) is a Japanese term used in martial arts, chadÅ, ikebana, go, shogi and in other similar activities to designate various degrees or levels of proficiency or experience. ...
// Definition Dan rank is a Japanese mark of level, used in several cultural activities of Japanese origin. ...
Karate practice is primarily characterized by linear punching and kicking techniques executed from a stable, fixed stance. Many styles of karate practiced today incorporate the forms (kata) originally developed by Funakoshi and his teachers, and many different weapons originally used as farm implements by the peasants of Okinawa, such as the sai, sickle (kama), and quarterstaff (bō). Many modern karate practitioners also participate in full, light, and no-contact competitions. Sai may be: Sai (weapon), a weapon used in certain martial arts, of Okinawan origin Sai (game), a variant of the game Mancala. ...
Kama may refer to several things Kama, a Hindu god, the God of Love, son of Lakshmi. ...
Quarterstaffs in use, from Old English Sports, Pastimes and Customs, published 1891 A quarterstaff is a medieval English variant of the staff weapon, consisting of a shaft of hardwood, sometimes with metal-reinforced tips. ...
This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...
Philosophical and strategic concepts
Bushidō -
A code of honour, in principle similar to chivalry but culturally very different. Japanese samurai in armour, 1860s. ...
Bors Dilemma - he chooses to save a maiden rather than his brother Lionel Chivalry[1] is a term related to the medieval institution of knighthood. ...
Budō -
Literately "the way of war" used in a similar way as Martial arts but specifically relating to Japanese arts. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...
Hawaiian State Grappling Championships. ...
Attitude
States of mind: empty, immovable, and remaining -
- Main article: Fudōshin
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Mushin (無心) is a state into which very highly trained martial artists are said to enter during combat. ...
A state of equanimity or imperturbability (literally and metaphorically immovable mind) - a philosophical/mental dimension to a (commonly Japanese) martial art which contributes to the effectiveness of the advanced practitioner. ...
Zan·shin (Japanese: 残心) is a martial art term used in Aikido, Karate, Kendo, Iaido, Kyudo and other Japanese martial arts, referring to a state of awareness - a state of relaxed alertness. ...
Aiki -
The principle of aiki (合気, aiki?) is particularly difficult to describe or explain. The most simple translation of aiki, as "joining energy", belies its philosophical depth. Generally, it is the principle of matching your opponent in order to defeat him. It is this concept of "matching", or "joining", or even "harmonizing" (all valid interpretations of ai) that contains the complexity. One may "match" the opponent in a clash of force, possibly even resulting in a mutual kill. This is not aiki. Aiki is epitomized by the notion of joining physically and mentally with the opponent for the express purpose of avoiding a direct clash of force. In practice, aiki is achieved by first joining with the motion of the opponent (the physical aspect) as well as the intent (the mental portion), then overcoming the will of the opponent, redirecting their motion and intent. Aiki is a martial arts principle or tactic. ...
Historically, this principle was used for destructive purposes; to seize an advantage and kill one's opponent. The modern art of aikido is founded upon the principle that the control of the opponent achieved by the successful application of aiki may be used to defeat one's opponent without harming them.
Kiai -
Kiai is a compound of ki meaning mind, will, turn-of-mind, spirit. ...
Hard and soft methods
 The "yin-yang" symbol (Chinese: taijitu). -
- Main article: The principle of jū
There are two underlying strategic methodologies to the application of force in Japanese martial arts. One is the hard method (剛法, gōhō?), and the other is the soft method (柔法, jūhō?). Implicit these concepts is their separate but equal and interrelated nature, in keeping with their philosophical relationship to the Chinese principles of yin and yang (Jap.: in and yō). Image File history File links Yin_yang. ...
Image File history File links Yin_yang. ...
A commonly used version of the Taijitu The Taijitu of Zhou Dun-yi. ...
Taijitu, the traditional symbol representing the forces of Yin and Yang. ...
The principle of JÅ« (柔) underlies all classical Bujutsu (æ¦è¡“ martial arts) methods and was adopted by the developers of the BudÅ (æ¦é“ martial ways) disciplines. ...
Taijitu, the traditional symbol representing the forces of yin and yang The dual concepts of yin and yang – or the single concept yin-yang – originate in ancient Chinese philosophy and metaphysics, which describe two primal opposing but complementary principles said to be found in all non-static objects and processes...
The hard method is characterized by the direct application of counter-force to an opposing force. In practice, this may be a direct attack, consisting of movement directly towards the opponent, coinciding with a strike towards the opponent. A defensive technique where the defender stands his ground to block or parry (directly opposing the attack by stopping it or knocking it aside) would be an example of a hard method of defense. Hard method techniques are generally conceptualized as being linear.
The soft method is characterized by the indirect application of force, which either avoids or redirects the opposing force. For example, recieving an attack by slipping past it, followed by adding force to the attacker's limb for the purpose of unbalancing an attacker is an example of soft method. Soft method techniques are generally conceptualized as being circular.
These definitions give rise to the often illusory distinction between "hard-style" and "soft-style" martial arts. In truth, most styles technically practice both, regardless of their internal nomenclature. Analyzing the difference in accordance with yin and yang principles, philosophers would assert that the absence of either one would render the practitioner's skills unbalanced or deficient, as yin and yang alone are each only half of a whole.
Openings, initiative and timing - See also: Maai
Openings, initiative, and timing are deeply interrelated concepts applicable to self defense and competitive combat. They each describe different considerations relevant to successfully initiating or countering an attack. Brandon Harada (Sho-Tokyo Dojo) in transition from Itto-ma to Chikama against Naoki Eiga Sensei in chūdan-no-kamae (on the right). ...
Openings (隙, suki?) are the foundation of a successful attack. Although possible to successfully injure an opponent who is ready to recieve an attack, it is obviously preferable to attack when and where one's opponent is open. What it means to be open may be as blatant as an opponent becoming tired and lowering their guard (as in physically lowering their hands), or as subtle as a momentary lapse in concentration. In the classical form of combat between master practitioners, each would stand almost entirely motionless until the slightest opening was spotted; only then would they launch as devastating an attack as they could muster, with the goal of incapaciting their opponent with a single blow.[3]
In Japanese martial arts, "initiative" (先, sen?) refers to "the decisive moment when a killing action is initiated."[4] There are two types of initiative in Japanese martial arts, early initiative (先の先, sen no sen?), and late initiative (後の先, go no sen?). Each type of initiative complements the other, and has different advantages and weaknesses. Early initiative is the taking advantage of an opening in an opponent's guard or concentration (see suki, supra). To fully take the early initiative, the attack launched must be with total commitment and lacking in any hesitation, and virtually ignoring the possibility of a counter-attack by the opponent. Late initiative involves an active attempt to induce an attack by the opponent that will create a weakness in the opponent's defenses, often by faking an opening that is too enticing for the opponent to pass up.[4]
All of the above concepts are integrated into the idea of the combat interval or timing (間合い, maai?). Maai is a complex concept, incorporating not just the distance between opponents, but also the time it will take to cross the distance, and angle and rhythm of attack. It is specifically the exact "position" from which one opponent can strike the other, after factoring in the above elements. For example, a faster opponent's maai is farther away than a slower opponent. It is ideal for one opponent to maintain maai while preventing the other from doing so.[5]
Pedagogy
Schools - Main article: Ryū
A RyÅ« (æµ) is any school of a Japanese martial art. ...
Instructors - See also: Sensei
- See also: Sōke
This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...
Soke is a Japanese title that means Headmaster (or sometimes translated as Grand Master or Head of the Family). It can mean one who is the leader of any school or the master of a style, but it is most commonly used as a highest level Japanese martial arts title...
Seniors and juniors -
The relationship between senior students (先輩, senpai?) and junior students (後輩, kōhai?) is one with its origins not in martial arts, but rather in Japanese culture generally. It underlies Japanese interpersonal relationships in many contexts, such as business, school, and sports. It has become part of the teaching process in Japanese martial arts schools. A senior student is senior to all students who either began training after him, or who he outranks. The role of the senior student is crucial to the indoctrination of the junior students to etiquette, work ethic, and other virtues important to the school. The junior student is expected to treat his seniors with respect, and plays an important role in giving the senior students the opportunity to learn leadership skills. Senior students may or may not teach formal classes, but in every respect their role is as a teacher to the junior students, by example and by providing encouragement.[6] Senpai ) is a Japanese term (sometimes an honorific) for a person in a club or other organization, including a school or college, who is a senior, in other words a member of a year above. ...
Ranking systems -
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There are ultimately two systems of ranking students in Japanese martial arts, although some schools have been known to blend these systems together. The old system was organized by a series of scrolls that would be passed down within a school. On the scrolls would be a list of the school's techniques, and the scrolls awarded to advanced students would list the more advanced techniques. This would culminate in the student achieving a "license of total transmission" (menkyo kaiden), which was a license permitting the student to teach the school's martial art outside of the school. Menkyo kaiden (å…許皆ä¼:ã‚ã‚“ãょã‹ã„ã§ã‚“) is a Japanese term meaning license of total transmission. ...
KyÅ« (ç´š:ãã‚…ã†) is a Japanese term used in martial arts, chadÅ, ikebana, go, shogi and in other similar activities to designate various degrees or levels of proficiency or experience. ...
// Definition Dan rank is a Japanese mark of level, used in several cultural activities of Japanese origin. ...
The modern system (dan'i), the invention of which is credited to judo founder Kano Jigoro, awards belts in accordance with students reaching a particular rank. Students progress by promotion through a series of "grades" (kyū), followed by a series of "degrees" (dan), pursuant to formal testing procedures. Some arts use only white and black belts to distinguish between skill levels, while others use a progression of colored belts for kyū levels.
Forms -
It has often been said that forms (kata) are the backbone of the martial arts. Nevertheless, different schools and styles put a varying amount of emphasis upon their practice. Kata (åž‹ or å½¢) (literally: form) is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs. ...
Competition
Warrior's pilgrimage - Main article: Musha shugyō
Musha shugyo is a samurai warriors quest or pilgrimage. ...
References - ^ Skoss, Diane (2006-05-
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