JAPANESE ORIGIN MARTIAL ARTS

1. Judo (literally means 'the gentle ways')

The three basic categories of techniques practiced in Judo are throwing, grappling and striking, and the art of falling. In sparring practices and contests, participants are only allowed to use a set of approved techniques that excludes striking techniques to avoid injuries. Strikes are only used when executing a sequence of pre-arranged movements (kata).

 

2.  Karate (literally means 'the way of empty hand')

Two basic kinds of traditional karate performances are 'Kata' (One fighter or a group performs their skills in front of judges. Precision, technique, and posture are the criteria) and 'Kumite' (A sparing match between two karate fighters. Kumite matches can end after a fixed time period, or after the successful performance of an especially damaging techniques).

 

3.  Kendo (literally means 'the way of sword')

Kendo continued to be the symbol of the samurai into the 19th century. The participants in modern kendo are well protected and use bamboo swords. As in all the Japanese martial arts, the training of one's mind is essential.

 

4. Kyudo (literally means 'the way of bow')

Kyudo is the martial art of Japan archery. Bows has been used for many centuries in Japan both as weapons of warfare and as hunting tools. It is relatively popular recreational activity. It is practiced in Kyudojo, special facilities found in schools and culture centers.

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4. Aikido (literally means ‘the way of the harmony spirit’)

Aikido techniques allow one to overpower their opponent without much strength and without injury to either party. It was created in Japan in first half of 20^th century.

 

5. Sumo (Japanese wrestling)

Sumo is a Japanese style wrestling and Japan’s national sport. Wrestlers who first exit the ring or touch the ground with any part of his body besides the soles of his feet will losses. There are no weight restrictions or classes in sumo. As a result, weight gain is an essential part of sumo training.

6. Samurai (Japanese warrior)

The samurai were the warriors of premodern Japan. They later made up the ruling military class and became the highest ranking social caste of the Edo Period(1603-1867). Their main weapon and symbol was the sword.

Relative peace prevailed during the roughly 250 years of the Edo Period. As a result, the importance of martial skills declined, and many samurai became bureaucrats, teachers or artists. Japan's feudal era eventually came to an end in 1868, and the samurai class was abolished a few years afterwards.

References : www.japan-guide.com/e/e634.html