Japanese martial arts refers to the variety of martial arts native to the country of Japan . At least three Japanese terms ( budō , bujutsu , and bugei ) are used interchangeably with the English phrase Japanese martial arts.
99-400: Iaidō ( 居合道 ) , abbreviated iai ( 居合 ) , is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and responding to sudden attacks. Iaido consists of four main components: the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard (or saya ), striking or cutting an opponent, shaking blood from the blade, and replacing the sword in
198-405: A Kendō club to offer Iaidō practice as well. Aikido ( 合氣道:あいきどう , aikidō ) means "the way to harmony with ki ". It is a 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
297-457: 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 (鉄扇; iron fans) were included in the curriculum. 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
396-525: A committee formed by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF, Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei or ZNKR). The twelve Seitei iaido forms ( seitei-gata ) are standardised for the tuition, promotion and propagation of iaido at the iaido clubs, that are members of the regional Kendo federations. All dojos, that are members of the regional Kendo federations teach this set. Since member federations of International Kendo Federation (FIK) uses seitei gata as
495-510: A directive to dissolve any and all military-related or nationalistic propaganda organizations. The disbanding was done under the "Removal and Exclusion of Undesirable Personnel from Public Office," which issued a purge directive contained in SCAPIN9 548 (Removal of Ultranationalists) clearly stating: "ultra-nationalistic or militaristic social, political, professional and commercial societies and institutions will be dissolved and prohibited." This
594-475: A few exceptions. Many national and regional organisations manage and promote iaido activities. The following is a list of international organisations which include iaido: Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (DNBK), established in 1895 in Kyoto, approved and recognized the discipline iaido. The International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) was established in Kyoto in 1952 and is dedicated to the promotion and development of
693-431: A focus on self-improvement , fulfillment or personal growth . The terms bujutsu (武術) and bugei (武芸) have different meanings from budō , at least historically speaking. Bujutsu refers specifically to the practical application of martial tactics and techniques in actual combat. Bugei refers to the adaptation or refinement of those tactics and techniques to facilitate systematic instruction and dissemination within
792-462: A formal learning environment. Each child who grew up in a samurai family was expected to be a warrior when he grew up, so much of his childhood was spent practicing different martial arts . A complete samurai should be skilled at least in the use of the sword ( kenjutsu ), the bow and arrow ( kyujutsu ), the spear ( sojutsu , yarijutsu ), the halberd ( naginatajutsu ) and subsequently the use of firearms ( houjutsu ). Similarly, they were instructed in
891-541: A heavily armed and armored enemy on the battlefield. Ideally, the samurai would be armed and would not need to rely on such techniques. 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 (当て身技; vital-striking technique). These tactics would be of little use against an armored opponent on
990-562: A mental discipline and as it was representative if the term Bushido. All -jutsu termed Arts transitioned to become -Do and thus became standard terms at the Butokukai. In 1921, the DBNK executive committee decided to make kendo, Judo and Kyudo the main Budo disciplines. Kendo and Judo grading system was established in 1895 and kyudo in 1923. By the 1930s a systematic appropriation of martial arts by
1089-440: 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. Historically, this principle
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#17328018899401188-417: A need for a common set of kata, that would be known by all members of organization, and that could be used for fair grading of practitioner's skill. Two of the largest Japanese organizations, All Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKR) and All Japan Iaido Federation (ZNIR), each created their own representative set of kata for this purpose. The All Japan Iaido Federation (ZNIR, Zen Nihon Iaido Renmei , founded 1948) has
1287-456: A physical education exhibition sponsored by the ministry of education in 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 uniforms and the kyū / dan ranking system (both originally implemented by judo's founder, Kano Jigoro) were adopted. Karate practice is primarily characterized by linear punching and kicking techniques executed from
1386-529: 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). 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. Kendo ( 剣道:けんどう , kendō ) , meaning
1485-658: A private organization. Enrollment fell significantly from millions to hundreds and it lost its authority to govern all martial arts organizations in Japan. In 1946, due to its association with the Japanese Military during wartime, the GHQ dissolved the DNBK. The following years, more than 1,300 leaders and officials of the DNBK were purged —ostracized, lost their jobs, and were forbidden to take any government position. In 1953,
1584-489: A set of five koryu iaido forms, called Tōhō, contributed from the five major schools whose teachers were involved in the creation of the organization. Seitei or Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Iaido (制定) are technical forms based on seitei-gata , or standard forms of sword-drawing techniques, created by the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei (All Japan Kendo Federation). This standard set of iaido kata was created in 1969 by
1683-419: A spiritually harmonious person possessed of high intellect, sensitivity, and resolute will. Iaido is for the most part performed solo as an issue of kata, executing changed strategies against single or various fanciful rivals. Every kata starts and finishes with the sword sheathed. Regardless of the sword method, creative ability and concentration are required to maintain the feeling of a genuine battle and to keep
1782-487: 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 traditionally concealed as farm implements by the peasants of Okinawa. Many karate practitioners also participate in light- and no-contact competitions while some (ex. kyokushin karate ) still compete in full-contact competitions with little or no protective gear. Shorinji Kempo ( 少林寺拳法 , shōrinji-kenpō )
1881-435: A standard for their iaido exams and shiai , seitei iaido has become the most widely practised form of iaido in Japan and the rest of the world. Single-style federations usually do not have a standardized "grading" set of kata, and use kata from their koryu curriculum for grading and demonstrations. Many iaido organisations promote sword technique from the seiza (sitting position) and refer to their art as iaido . One of
1980-496: 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. Naginatajutsu ( 長刀術:なぎなたじゅつ ) is the Japanese art of wielding the naginata , a weapon resembling the medieval European glaive or guisarme . Most naginata practice today
2079-629: Is a post-World War II system of self-defense and self-improvement training (行: gyo or discipline) known as the modified version of Shaolin Kung Fu . There are two primary technique categories such as gōhō (剛法; strikes, kicks and blocks) and jūhō (柔法; pins, joint locks and dodges). It was established in 1947 by Doshin So ( 宗 道臣 , Sō Dōshin ) who had been in Manchuria during World War II and who on returning to his native Japan after World War II saw
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#17328018899402178-518: Is also sometimes called "the way of the empty hand" ( 空手道 , karatedō ) . It was originally called 唐手 ("Chinese hand"), also pronounced 'karate'. Karate originated in and, is technically, Okinawan , except for Kyokushin (an amalgamation of parts of Shotokan and Gojoryu), formerly known as the Ryūkyū Kingdom , but now a part of present-day Japan. Karate is a fusion of pre-existing Okinawan martial arts , called " te ", and Chinese martial arts . It
2277-588: Is an art that has been adopted and developed by practitioners on the Japanese main island of Honshu . Karate's route to Honshu began with Gichin Funakoshi (船越 義珍 Funakoshi Gichin , 1868–1957), who is called the father of karate, and is the founder of Shotokan karate. Although some Okinawan karate practitioners were already living and teaching in Honshū , Funakoshi gave public demonstrations of karate in Tokyo at
2376-562: Is dedicated to ensuring the orthodox transmission of MJER Iaido to future generations worldwide, as well as promoting and preserving the development of other schools. Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Iaido Renmei (ZNTIR) established in Machida Japan after WW II was created as "Toyama-Ryu Shinko kai" established by Tokutomi Tasaburo and Nakamura Taizaburo who were Gunto Soho instructors at the Toyama Ryu Military Academy for
2475-517: Is for self-improvement, with self-defense as a secondary purpose. Additionally, many of the gendai budō have included a sporting element to them. Judo and kendo are both examples of this. Judo ( 柔道:じゅうどう , jūdō ) , literally meaning "gentle way" or "way of softness", is a grappling -based martial art, practiced primarily as a sport. It contains substantially the same emphasis on the personal, spiritual, and physical self-improvement of its practitioners as can be found throughout gendai budō . Judo
2574-450: 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. However, many koryu maintain naginatajutsu in their curriculum. Also of note, during the late Edo period , naginata were used to train women and ladies in waiting. Thus, most naginatajutsu styles are headed by women and most naginata practitioners in Japan are women. This has led to
2673-417: Is on drawing the sword and responding by harmonising with a sudden attack as quickly as possible (合). The last character, 道 , is generally translated into English as the way or path. The term "iaido" approximately translates into English as "the way of mental presence and immediate reaction ", and was popularized by Nakayama Hakudo . The term emerged from iaijutsu and the general trend to replace
2772-418: 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. Similar to Kendō, Iaidō is largely practiced under the All Japan Kendo Federation and it's not unusual for
2871-435: 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
2970-415: Is renamed Mugai ryu iaijutsu/iaido up until today. Another popular Iaido school is Toyama-ryū (戸山流), which was established in 1925 in Japan. It was created by the Japanese army during World War II to create a simplified form. This style emphasizes the most important aspects of drawing and cutting. After the war it became obsolete, but was revived after 1952. Ranking in iaido depends on the school and/or
3069-426: Is somewhat unusual 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 in greater depth than other cultures. Nevertheless, the teaching and training of these martial arts did evolve. For example, in the early medieval period, the bow and the spear were emphasized, but during
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3168-435: Is subject to some debate. As a 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
3267-406: Is upon joining with the rhythm and intent of the opponent in order to find the optimal position and timing, when the opponent can be led without force. Aikidō is also known for emphasizing the personal development of its students, reflecting the spiritual background of its founder. Morihei Ueshiba developed aikido mainly from Daitō-ryū aiki-jūjutsu incorporating training movements such as those for
3366-623: The tantō (短刀; dagger), ryufundo kusari (weighted chain), jutte (十手; helmet-smasher), and kakushi buki (隠武器; secret or disguised weapons) were almost always included in koryū jujutsu. 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 went by 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
3465-717: The Allies of World War II in the period 1945–1950. However, in 1950, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai was reestablished and the practice of the Japanese martial disciplines began again. The Zen Nippon Iaido Renmei, All Japan Iaido Federation ( 全日本居合道連盟 , Zen Nippon Iaido Renmei ) (ZNIR) was founded in 1948. In 1952, the Kokusai Budoin, International Martial Arts Federation ( 国際武道院・国際武道連盟 , Kokusai Budoin Kokusai Budo Renmei ) (IMAF)
3564-469: The Meiji Restoration (1868), respectively. Since gendai budō 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. Koryū ( 古流:こりゅう ) , meaning "traditional school", or "old school", refers specifically to schools of martial arts, originating in Japan, either prior to
3663-646: The Mongolian invasions during the 13th century (which in particular saw the transition from mostly horseback archery to hand-to-hand ground fighting). 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 AD, Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川 家康, 1543–1616) gained total control of all of Japan, and
3762-664: The Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū 無双直伝英信流 during the Taishō era (1912–1926). Another popular iai school mostly found worldwide is Mugai ryu . Mugai-ryū (無外流) or "Outer Nothingness School" is a Japanese koryū martial art school founded by Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi (辻月丹資茂) on 23 June 1680. Its formal name is Mugai Shinden Kenpō (無外真伝剣法). Actually in the beginning, Mugai Ryu started as kenjutsu only school, but sent and recommended its disciples to learn another koryu named "Jikyo-ryu iaijutsu", and after Jikyo ryu vanished without any successor. It
3861-656: The Tokugawa period (1603–1867 CE), fewer large-scale battles took place, and the sword became the most prestigious weapon. Another trend that developed throughout Japanese history was that of increasing martial specialization as society became more stratified over time. 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 budō based on whether they existed prior to or after
3960-495: The Warring States Period (15th–17th centuries). 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
4059-403: The kanji 居 (i), 合 (ai), and 道 (dō). The origin of the first two characters, iai ( 居合 ) , is believed to come from saying Tsune ni ite, kyū ni awasu ( 常に居て、急に合わす ) , which can be roughly translated as "being constantly (prepared), match/meet (the opposition) immediately". Thus the primary emphasis in 'iai' is on the psychological state of being present (居). The secondary emphasis
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4158-631: The menkyo system of grading, or a different system entirely. Iaido as governed by the FIK establishes 10th dan as the maximum attainable rank, though there are no living 10th practitioners in Kendo, there still remains many in Iaido. While there are some living 9th dan practitioners of kendo, the All Japan Kendo Federation only currently awards up to 8th dan. Most other member federations of
4257-403: The saya and also moving the saya back in saya-biki . Iaido started in the mid-1500s. Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu (1542 - 1621) is generally acknowledged as the organizer of Iaido. There were many different Koryu (customary schools), however just a few remain practiced today. Just about every one of them additionally concentrate on more seasoned school created amid 16-seventeenth century, in
4356-406: The yari (槍; spear), jō (杖; a short quarterstaff ), and perhaps also jūken (銃剣; bayonet ). Arguably the strongest influence is that of kenjutsu and in many ways, an aikidō practitioner moves as an empty handed swordsman. Kyūdō ( 弓道:きゅうどう ) , 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
4455-416: The "way of the sword", is based on Japanese sword-fighting. It is an 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. 16th century), whose core philosophy revolved around the concept that all strikes in swordsmanship revolve around
4554-544: The FIK have followed suit. Iaido, in its modern form, is practiced as a competitive sport, separately regulated by the All Japan Kendo Federation and All Japan Iaido Federations . An iaido competition consists of two or more iaidoka performing their kata next to each other and simultaneously. The competitors will be judged by a panel of judges according to the standardized regulations. The European Kendo Federation has arranged European iaido championships since 1993, and this competition continues to be held every year with
4653-569: The Imperial Japanese Government is recommended in accordance with the provisions of SCAPIN 548 Paragraph I-f on the grounds that this is an organization 'affording military or quasi-military training' and which provides for the 'perpetuation of militarism' or a martial spirit in Japan." Japan regained its sovereignty in 1951 after the signing of the San Francisco peace treaty. In 1953, the new Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
4752-563: The International Division overseeing all international members. In 2022, DNBK has official representatives and coordinators in Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Israel, Hungary, Russia, Germany, Spain, Malta, France and California US, Hawaii US, Mid-Western US, Boston US, Arizona US, Florida US, Australia, Romania, Switzerland, Armenia, Chile, Switzerland, Greece, Gibraltar, Austria, Latvia and Nepal. In April 2023
4851-684: The Japanese Imperial Army. Over time the "Toyama-Ryu Shinko-Kai" was renamed as Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Iaido Renmei, and practice eight kata from a derivative of Gunto Soho. Murayama City, the birthplace of iaido, operates a number of iaido experience and training programs. This includes training with some of the iaido masters and english speaking teachers in Yamagata. Following organisations are national Iaido federations in Japan: ( Wayback Machine copy) (Wayback Machine copy) Iaido in
4950-770: The United States is under the auspices of the All-US Kendo Federation Archived 2020-02-17 at the Wayback Machine (AUSKF) and the various regional Kendo federations that are members of the AUSKF. Iaido Training in Japan Japanese martial art The usage of the term budō (武道) to mean martial arts is a modern one: historically the term meant a way of life encompassing physical, spiritual and moral dimensions with
5049-431: 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. Iaijutsu ( 居合術:いあいじゅつ ) , approximately "the art/science of mental presence and immediate reaction", is also the Japanese art of drawing the sword. However, unlike battōjutsu , iaijutsu tends to be technically more complex, and there
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#17328018899405148-675: 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 or her, and counter-attack where they are weakest or least defended. 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
5247-635: The art or to encompass the art as a whole. Kenjutsu ( 剣術:けんじゅつ ) literally means "the art/science of the sword". Although the term has been used as a general term for swordsmanship as a whole, in modern times, kenjutsu refers more 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 ; 木剣), this most often consists of pre-determined forms, called kata (型), or sometimes called kumitachi (組太刀), and similar to
5346-420: The basis of their training methodology and equipment, though wide variation still exists within each. 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 8th century AD, record the first sumo match in 23 BC, occurring specifically at the request of the emperor and continuing until one man
5445-508: The beginning of the Meiji Restoration in 1868, or the Haitōrei (Sword Abolishment Edict) in 1876. In modern usage, bujutsu ( 武術 ) , meaning military art/science , is typified by its practical application of technique to real-world or battlefield situations. 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"
5544-493: The beginning of the Meiji Restoration in 1868. 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. 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 warfare, while the primary purpose of gendai budō
5643-473: 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. Iaidō ( 居合道:いあいどう ) , which would be "the way of mental presence and immediate reaction", is nominally the modernization of iaijutsu , but in practice is frequently identical to iaijutsu . The replacement of jutsu (術) with dō (道)
5742-427: 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 sport. Karate ( 空手 , karate ) literally means "empty hand". It
5841-419: The country entered a period of prolonged peace that would last until the Meiji Restoration . 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. The terminology used in Japanese swordsmanship is somewhat ambiguous. Many names have been used for various aspects of
5940-401: 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 their 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
6039-637: The ethics of Confucianism , methods of Zen , philosophical Taoism , the purifying rites of Shinto and aspects of bushido . A set of five koryu iaido forms The 12 official kata currently recognised by the All Japan Kendo Federation are (in Romanised form): Because iaido is practiced with a weapon, it is almost entirely practiced using solitary forms, or kata performed against one or more imaginary opponents. Multiple-person kata exist in some schools of iaido; for safety, iaidoka usually use bokken for such kata practice. Iaido does include competition in
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#17328018899406138-414: The famous folding process were first forged by the smith Amakuni Yasutsuna (天國 安綱, c. 700 AD). The primary development of the sword occurred between 987 AD and 1597 AD. 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
6237-410: The form of kata , but does not use sparring of any kind. Because of this non-fighting practice, and iaido's emphasis on precise, controlled, fluid motion, it is sometimes referred to as "moving Zen ." Most of the styles and schools do not practice tameshigiri , cutting techniques. A part of iaido is nukitsuke . This is a quick draw of the sword, accomplished by simultaneously drawing the sword from
6336-485: 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 ( 柔術:じゅうじゅつ , jūjutsu ) , literally translates to "soft skills". However, more accurately, it means
6435-399: The impression overseas that naginatajutsu is a martial art that was not used by male warriors. In fact, naginatajutsu was developed in early medieval Japan and for a time was widely used by samurai . Sōjutsu ( 槍術:そうじゅつ ) is the Japanese art of fighting with the spear ( yari ). For most of Japan's history, sōjutsu was practiced extensively by traditional schools. In times of war, it
6534-530: The kata new. Iaidoka are often expected to practice kendo to maintain the combative spirit. It is normal for high-ranking kendoka to hold high rank in iaido as well, and vice versa. To perform the kata appropriately, iaidoka likewise learn carriage, development, grip and swing. At times iaidoka will practice complementary kata from kendo or kenjutsu. Unlike kendo, iaido practice never involves sparring. The metaphysical aspects of iaido have been influenced by several philosophical and religious currents. Iaido blends
6633-410: The long peace of the Tokugawa shogunate there was an increase in specialization with many schools identifying themselves with particular major battlefield 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
6732-510: 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-defence purposes. The following subsections represent not individual schools of martial arts, but rather generic "types" of martial arts. These are generally distinguishable on
6831-564: The martial arts worldwide, including iaido. International Kendo Federation (FIK), established in 1970, an international organization for Kendo, Iaido and Jodo practitioners, which many national Kendo federations are a member of. All Japan Iaido Federation (or Zen Nippon Iaido Renmei) (ZNIR) was established in 1954 "in accordance with the Japanese bushido spirit to pass on the time-honoured system of Kobudo Iaido". The World Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū Iaido Federation, established in Tokyo in 2011,
6930-560: The member federations to which a particular school belongs. Iaido as it is practiced by the International Kendo Federation (FIK) and All Japan Iaido Federation (ZNIR) uses the kyu-dan system, created in 1883. Modern kendo is almost entirely governed by the FIK, including the ranking system. Iaido is commonly associated with either the FIK or the ZNIR, although there are many extant koryū which may potentially use
7029-456: The name that each one has is indicative of the mode or weapon with which they are executed. The combat methods that were developed and perfected are very diverse, among which are: 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 changing, requiring that the techniques to use them be continuously reinvented. The history of Japan
7128-609: The need to overcome the devastation and re-build self-confidence of the Japanese people on a massive scale. Although Shorinji Kempo was originally introduced in Japan in the late 1940s and 1950s through large scale programmes involving employees of major national organizations (e.g. Japan Railways) it subsequently became popular in many other countries. Today, according to the World Shorinji Kempo Organization (WSKO), there are almost 1.5 million practitioners in 33 countries. The principle of aiki ( 合気 )
7227-475: The new DNBK was established with a new philosophical vision of preserving the long-standing illustrious classical martial virtues and traditions. The original Dai Nippon Butoku Kai facility was created as a private organization in 1895 in Kyoto. in 1919, Mr Hiromichi Mishikubo (Vice-president of DBNK) made the term change from Bujutsu to Budo. In the eyes of Mishikubo the term bujutsu seemed heavily concerned with physical technique and insisted in using Budo as
7326-474: The partner drills practiced in kendo. Among advanced students, kenjutsu training may also include increasing degrees of freestyle practice. Battōjutsu ( 抜刀術:ばっとうじゅつ ) , 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 ; 鞘). The term came into use specifically during
7425-565: The popular versions of these is the Musō Shinden-ryū 夢想神伝流, an iaido system created by Nakayama Hakudō (1872–1958) in 1932. The Musō Shinden-ryū is an interpretation of one of the Jinsuke-Eishin lines, called Shimomura-ha. The other line of Jinsuke-Eishin, called Tanimura-ha, was created by Gotō Magobei Masasuke (died 1898) and Ōe Masaji Shikei (1852–1927). It was Ōe Masaji Shikei who began formally referring to his iaido branch as
7524-523: The proposal of the "National Physical Strength Deliberation Council" sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare recommended that an "all-encompassing extra-governmental organization" formed between the five ministries of Kōseishō (Health and Welfare), Mombushō (Education), Rikugunshō (Army), Kaigunshō (Navy) and the Naimushō (Home) which promoted budō in schools, community organizations and groups. This
7623-406: The public, enjoyed by both the upper class and commoners. Today, sumo retains much of its traditional trappings, including a referee dressed as a Shintō 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
7722-539: The same way as Muso-Shinden-ryu, Hoki-ryu, Muso-Jikiden-Eishin-ryu, Shinto-Munen-ryu, Tamiya-ryu, Yagyu-Shinkage-ryu, Mugai-ryu, Sekiguchi-ryu, et cetera. After the collapse of the Japanese feudal system in 1868, the founders of the modern disciplines borrowed from the theory and the practice of classical disciplines as they had studied or practiced. The founding in 1895 of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (DNBK) 大日本武徳会 (lit. "Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society") in Kyoto , Japan .
7821-401: 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
7920-426: The scabbard. While beginning practitioners of iaido may start learning with a wooden sword ( bokutō 木刀) depending on the teaching style of a particular instructor, most of the practitioners use a blunt-edged sword called an iaitō or mogitō . Few, more experienced, iaido practitioners use a sharp-edged sword ( shinken ). Practitioners of iaido are called iaidoka . The term "iaido" appears in 1932 and consists of
8019-513: The short staff, ( jōdō ; 杖道) which was the primary art taught by the Shintō Musō-ryū . 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 ( suijutsu ; 水術), equestrianism ( bajutsu ; 馬術), arson and demolition ( kajutsu ). Gendai budō ( 現代武道:げんだいぶどう ) , literally meaning "modern martial way", usually applies to arts founded after
8118-521: The state was underway, fueled in the successful wake of the Russo-Japanese War , sped up even more in 1942–1945 during the apex of Japan's "militarisation" ( sengika ). This led to a number of "unprecedented policies aimed at making martial arts education combat effective and ideologically aligned with ultra-nationalistic government policy" were set into motion. This strove to corral any and all budo organizations under state control to which
8217-563: 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 proficiency at horse-riding 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
8316-410: The suffix -jutsu ( 術 ) ("the art of") with -dō ( 道 ) in Japanese martial arts in order to emphasize the philosophical or spiritual aspects of the practice. Iaido encompasses hundreds of styles of swordsmanship, all of which subscribe to non-combative aims and purposes. Iaido is an intrinsic form of Japanese modern budo . Iaido is a reflection of the morals of the classical warrior and to build
8415-401: The technique kiri-oroshi (vertical downward cut). Kendo really began to take shape with the introduction of bamboo swords, called shinai (竹刀), and the set of lightweight wooden armour, called bōgu (防具), 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. Today, virtually
8514-697: The use of these weapons while riding a horse. They were also expected to know how to swim and dive. Nihon Eiho ( 日本泳法 , Japanese swimming style) originates from the Sengoku period in the 15th century. The samurai developed Suijutsu ( 水術 , (combat) water skills) , which was useful in case they were thrown overboard during naval conflicts. The samurai practiced Katchu gozen oyogi ( 甲冑御前游 , full armor swimming) , Tachi-oyogi ( 立ち泳ぎ , standing swimming) and Ina-tobi ( 鯔飛 , flying mullet) to board enemy vessels. Activities included strokes with swords, bows and firearms. Hands were kept dry above
8613-513: The water to write messages with an ink brush on a paper scroll. This skill was useful for muskets which require dry gunpowder . Nihon Eiho is practiced by 28 schools and recognized by the Japan Swimming Federation . During the feudal era of Japan, various types of martial arts flourished, known in Japanese under the name of bujutsu ( 武術 ) . The term jutsu can be translated as "method", "art" or "technique" and
8712-420: 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, the art of the sword , has an almost mythological ethos, and is believed by some to be the paramount martial art, surpassing all others. Regardless of the truth of that belief, the sword itself has been
8811-665: Was a primary skill of many soldiers. Today it is a minor art taught in very few schools. Shinobi no jutsu (aka Ninjutsu ) was developed by groups of people mainly from Iga, Mie and Kōka , Shiga of Japan who became noted for their skills as infiltrators , scouts, secret agents, and spies. The training of these shinobi (忍; ninja ) involves espionage , sabotage , disguise , escape , concealment , assassination , archery , medicine , explosives , poisons , and more. The early martial art schools of Japan were almost entirely " Sōgō bujutsu ", composite martial systems made up of an eclectic collection of skills and tools. With
8910-478: Was accompanied by SCAPIN 550 (Removal and Exclusion of Undesirable Personnel from Public Office) which states: "Persons who have been active exponents of militarism and militant nationalism will be removed and excluded from public office and from any positions of public or substantial private responsibility." In a memorandum proposed to the Chief of Staff, it also stated: "Dissolution of Dai Nippon Butokukai by order to
9009-495: Was also an important contribution to the development of modern Japanese swordsmanship. In 1932 DNBK officially approved and recognized the Japanese discipline, iaido ; this year was the first time the term iaido appeared in Japan . After this initiative the modern forms of swordsmanship is organised in several iaido organisations. During the post-war occupation of Japan, the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai and its affiliates were disbanded by
9108-399: Was an effective way to expand the reach and breadth of the propaganda being issued by the ultra nationalistic government into the community, plus allowing a clear path to community indoctrination through budō programs; especially notable was the efforts targeting children and schools that is apparent by the amount of funding it received, allocated by a national budget at the time. The response
9207-546: Was as follows: "We have reached a consensus to restructure the Dai-Nippon Butokukai, a registered society that has contributed to the advancement of budō for many years, and incorporate it into the organs of government." This allowed public funding to be spent on a larger project nationally. After the end of World War II , the Supreme Commander of Allied Powers ( General Douglas MacArthur ) issued
9306-460: Was created by Kano Jigoro (嘉納 治五郎 Kanō Jigorō , 1860–1938) at the end of the 19th century. Kano took the koryū martial arts he learned (specifically Kitō-ryū and Tenjin Shin'yo-ryū jujutsu), and systematically reinvented them into a martial art with an emphasis on freestyle practice ( randori ) and competition, while removing harmful jujutsu techniques or limiting them to the kata . Kano devised
9405-414: Was established to revive the pre-WWII DNBK with the philosophical vision of preserving the long-standing classical martial virtues and traditions. The DNBK aims for the restoration of classical martial cultures, supporting allied research, instruction and service, promotion of international peace and harmony, and the advancement of greater humanity through Budo education. In 1974, DNBK officially established
9504-497: Was founded in Tokyo , Japan . IMAF is a Japanese organization promoting international Budō , and has seven divisions representing the various Japanese martial arts, including iaido. Also in 1952, the All Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKR) was founded. Upon formation of various organizations overseeing martial arts, a problem of commonality appeared. Since members of the organization were drawn from various backgrounds, and had experience practicing different schools of iaido, there arose
9603-407: Was the largest martial arts organization in Japan with strong ties to WWII-era Japanese government, originally established in 1895 in Kyoto and had the biggest influence on Budo in modern Japan. The first president was Imperial Prince Komatsunomiya Akihito and the first chairman was Chairman Watanabe Chiaki (Governor of Kyoto). At the end of World War II, the DNBK changed its status from a public to
9702-492: Was too wounded to continue . Beginning in 728 AD, the Emperor Shōmu (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 Shintō festivals, and sumo training was eventually incorporated into military training. By the 17th century, sumo was an organized professional sport, open to
9801-419: 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. Dai Nippon Butoku Kai Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (DNBK, Japanese : 大日本武徳会 , English: "Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society" )
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