Top > Tourist Attractions > Entertainment > Martial Arts
Martial Arts
 Japan's
three most popular martial arts—judo, karate, and kendo—have roots stretching
back to the age of the samurai. Judo, the best-known martial
art, originated in Japan in 1882 and is based on jujitsu, a deadly martial
art practiced by samurai as a means of defense. Using self-defense techniques
that manipulate the opponent's strength and force to one's own advantage, judo
trains both the body and the mind. Bouts are won by throwing the opponent or getting
hold of him. Judo became known throughout the world when it was designated an
official event during the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. Today, many young pupils practice
every day at Kodokan Judo Hall in Tokyo, with demonstration bouts by experts held
from time to time. [More info: www.kodokan.org/index.html].
Karate, developed in ancient China and introduced to Japan via Okinawa, became popular as a means of unarmed defense and attack when common people were forbidden to carry weapons. In karate, hands and feet are used to strike vulnerable areas of the opponent, with power achieved through speed and concentration. To strengthen their knuckles, Japanese experts practice hitting hard objects with their fist—and can break 10 to 15 Japanese roof slates or five boards with one strike. [More info: www.karatedo.co.jp/index3.htm]
Kendo, Japanese fencing, originated from kenjutsu, the most important martial art of the samurai. Practiced today with bamboo swords and protective gear, opponents try to strike each other's mask, arm or body, using the correct combination of force, posture and sword position. [More info: www.kendo-fik.org/english-page/english-top-page.html]. Aikido stresses form and places great emphasis on the spiritual aspect of the sport, giving it the nickname "Zen in motion." Using correct breathing techniques and meditation, it does not depend much on physical strength, making it popular also with women and senior citizens. [More info: www.aikikai.or.jp/eng/index.htm]
|
