Overview and History of the Japanese Martial Arts

[BlackDragon]

Introduction:
Martial arts were important for the samurai class in medieval Japan. These arts were really to help one prepare for combat. Skill in these areas could save the life of the samurai who knew them well. "Martial" means fighting. So these fighting skills were much more than recreation!

Many of these martial arts were brought from China, but the Japanese further developed them and added to them. Some of these martial arts became further ritualized [given formal rules] in Zen Buddhism. A samurai warrior of the Middle Ages would be an expert at some of these arts, especially archery and sword fighting.

In this thread I will go over a few japense martial arts system just to try and give a overview of the japanese martial arts and it's history.

I. Sumo Wrestling
A. History of Sumo Wrestling

Sumo wrestling is an ancient sport dating back at least 1500 years. According to one Japanese legend, the very origin of the Japanese race depended on the outcome of a sumo match. The Japanese people on the islands of Japan supposedly established their claim to these islands when the god, Take-mikazuchi, won a sumo match with the leader of a rival tribe.

The first sumo matches were a form of ritual dedicated to the gods with prayers for a good harvest. They were performed with sacred dancing and dramas within the walls of the Shinto shrines.

During the Nara Period (the 8th century) sumo was introduced into the ceremonies of the Imperial Court. A wrestling festival was held annually (every year) which included music and dancing in which the victorious wrestlers participated.

Early sumo wrestling was rough. It combined parts of boxing and wrestling with few or no rules. But at the Imperial Court rules were formulated and techniques developed so that it became more like the sumo wrestling of today.

During the Age of the Samurai, sumo was useful as military training. Later jujitsu was developed as an offshoot of sumo by the samurai. In the 17th century peace was finally restored under the Age of the Shoguns. A period of prosperity followed, marked by the rise to power of the new merchant class. Professional sumo groups were organized to entertain the common people, and sumo has become the national sport of Japan.


Sumo wrestlers are very popular today, something like famous athletes, movie stars, or pop singers are in the United States. In the Middle Ages the sumo wrestlers were also like heroes. Artists painted their pictures and they were treated to free meals by fans. And they could eat a lot!

B. Rules and the Wrestling Ring

A wrestler wins when he forces his opponent outside of a ring or throws him onto the floor of the ring. The ring is small - 15 feet in diameter.

C. The Wrestling Match

After entering the ring each wrestler goes through a series of symbolic movements. He symbolically rinses his mouth with water and wipes his body with a paper towel. Each wrestler also scatters a handful of salt to purify the ring. This is supposed to ensure him against injuries.

The wrestlers then squat and face each other in the center of the ring, crouch forward in a "get set" position supporting themselves with their fists on the ground and proceed to glare fiercely (give mean looks) at each other. They do not begin the match at once, however, but engage in a kind of "cold war". They go back to their corners for more salt, scatter it and return to glare. They repeat the process again and again, usually for a few minutes allowed by the rules.

Then the wrestlers charge to meet in the center of the ring. The match is usually over in a matter of minutes when one of the wrestlers has been pushed out of the ring or thrown to the ground.

The conclusion of the day is the "bow dance" by one of the victorious wrestlers.


II. Ju-jitsu (Empty-Hand Fighting Style)

Ju-jitsu evolved over 2,500 years ago. It is the combination of many fighting techniques that either originated in Japan or were brought to Japan from neighboring China or Korea. The roots of Ju-jitsu can be traced back to the legendary gods Kajima and Kadori, who used the ju-jitsu techniques against the inhabitants of an eastern province as punishment for their crimes.

Nearly 2,500 years ago in China, Ju-jitsu and its philosophies developed. This "open-hand" fighting techniques were practiced combined with the wrestling sports in Japan in 230 B.C. From 230 B.C. onward, many different schools of Ju-jitsu were formed. "Empty-hand" techniques were practiced, along with weapons, as part of the samurai warrior's training during the Heian period (circa [about] 784 AD). In approximately 880 A.D, a Jiujitsu school was formed by Prince Teijun.

During the period of Japanese history between the 8th and 16th centuries, there was constant civil war and many martial arts systems were utilized [used], practiced, and perfected on the battlefield. This training was used to conquer armored [wearing armor] and armed [having weapons] opponents. Many close fighting and weapons techniques were created and mastered at this time.

A school of Jiujitsu was founded in 1532. This school taught both armed and unarmed fighting techniques. In 1559, a Chinese monk named Chin Gen Pinh came to Japan and established a school for Kempo known as the (China Hand), which was adopted by Jiujitsu. Shortly after another martial arts master also migrated to Japan from China, bringing with him Ch-an Fa and Korean Tang Su a punching and nerve striking skill and method of fighting. These skills were also adopted by Jiujitsu.

Approximately 1603, Japan came to a fairly peaceful period following the formation of the Tokugawa military government. During this time, known as the Edo period (1603-1868), the feudal civil wars and unsettled feelings and emotions within many people had plagued Japan for centuries started to disappear. Martial arts styles began to use more weaponless styles, which incorporated many of the grappling ground fighting techniques of the weaponed styles. Universally, these techniques were known as Jiujitsu. It has been estimated that over 750 styles of Jiujitsu were in existence in Japan during the Edo period.

At the end of the Edo period originated the beginning of the Meiji Restoration period in which power had transferred from the Shogun back to the Emperor. Many samurai warriors had supported the Shogun during the war and as a result, lost much status [social standing] and esteem [respect, honor] when power was restored to the Emperor. A law was introduced, making it a crime to practice the old style or method of martial arts of the original samurai. Samurai were also forbidden from carrying their swords or similar weapons. The art of Jiujitsu had nearly disappeared during this period, but had eventually survived because some masters began to practice the art underground in hiding, or in other countries, until the ban was lifted in the mid-twentieth century.

Jiujitsu has become the basis for other fairly new martial art styles such as judo, and is referred to as "the calm and gentle art" whereby pressure points, kicks, sweeps and throws, grappling and other effective techniques are combined to counter an attacker with ease

III. Judo

Judo is a modern sport which came from Jujitsu, or fighting without weapons, and from Chinese and Korean martial arts like Kung-Fu and Tae-Kwan-Do. The purpose is to use hands and feet, and to throw the opponent to the ground.

IV. Aikido

Aikido, a traditional Japanese martial art, was developed in the early part of this century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), now known as O-Sensei (venerable teacher). Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei, the Aikido Kaiso (founder), was born in 1883 in Tanabe, a coastal town in southern Japan. From the time of his youth, he studied various martial arts, eventually including sumo, swordsmanship, spear technique, staff technique, and various styles of jiujutsu, particularly the Yagyu and Daito styles

Aikido is one of the more spiritual martial arts and has been considered as 'moving zen'. The name Aikido means "The way of harmony with ki"

The essence of all Aikido technique is the use of total body movements to create spherical motion around a stable, energized center. Even when a technique appears to be using only one part of the body, close observation reveals the Aikidoist's movements are, in fact, total body movements. Properly executed, some techniques are spectacular; sending an opponent flying thorough the air. Others are small, deft movements that immobilize the aggressor. Both results are achieved through precise use of leverage, inertia, gravity, and the action of centrifugal and centripetal forces. Ultimately, it is the energy of the attack itself which brings down the attacker.

Today, Aikido is a powerful and dynamic Martial Art used internationally by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. It is also the Martial Art of choice for millions of men, women, children, medical personnel and security organizations as more than simply an extremely effective means of self-defense but also as a very effective "way" of internal training and development.

[BlackDragon]

V. Karate

Karate developed in the southern Japanese island of Okinawa. The people of Okinawa have been influenced by both China and Japan. The Okinawans developing their own forms of martial arts by combining Chinese Boxing and other fighting forms. Early karate was known as to-de (Tang Hand) in recognition of the Chinese influence.
In the 1800's karate was further developed. There are many legends concerning one teacher's prowess [skill], and he is said to have died undefeated. He named his system "Shaolin Ryu" after the legendary Chinese temple.

Today karate is a popular sport in many countries. There are several different schools, or styles of karate.

VI. Ninjutsu

Origin of the Ninjutsu

Ninjutsu (Also called Shinobi-jutsu) is a collection of techniques originally practiced for espionage purposes. It includes methods of spying, confusing, and gathering information. Ninjutsu can also involve training in disguise, escape, concealment, archery, medicine, and explosives.
The character nin/shinobi means "steal in" or "endurance".

Practitioners of ninjutsu have been seen as assassins for hire, and have been associated in the public imagination with other activities which are considered criminal by modern standards
Even though it was influenced by Chinese spying techniques, Ninjutsu is most definitely of Japanese origin. It probably came into being sometime around AD 600, while Empress Suiko was in power; Michinoue-no-Mikoto is believed to be the pioneer.

One version is that the basis of ninjutsu was taught to a Japanese household who fled to the mountains after losing a battle. There they mixed with a varied lot of people including the descendants of refugees who had fled China. Later, the skills were developed over 300 years to create ninjutsu.

Although the popular view is that ninjutsu is the art of secrecy or stealth, actual practitioners consider it to mean the art of enduring - enduring all of life's hardships. The character nin carries both these meanings, and others.

Actual Ninjutsu is rarely taught these days. The X-kan: Bujinkan, Genbukan, and Jinenkan each contain at least one complete Ninjutsu ryuha, but they also contain other koryu Bujutsu that they tend to focus on.

The only ryuha that is taught at all is Togakure Ryu. Other extant kobudo, such as the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto ryu, contain aspects of Ninjutsu in their curriculum; but they are not Ninjutsu ryuha per se.

Other schools, which may or may not directly relate to the genuine japanese ninja traditions, have different paths.

For example, the Temple of the Full Autumn Moon, which teaches Saito Ninjitsu (and defines Ninjitsu as something very similar but different from Ninjutsu), follows the Wu Shan Fa or "Five Mountain Path of the True Warrior Spirit."

It can be found here. It should also be noted, historians do not believe any Ninjutsu ryuha outside the X-kan to be extant, but it is up to the individual to decide.

Hachiko is more than a statue or a tale, he was a real dog who's story is known throughout Japan and the world today. The word Hachiko has come to be synonymous with loyalty, and for good reason.

The story has a few variations depending on who tells it but the basic facts are well documented.

In the modern world the word ninjutsu usually refers to a certain system (Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu) of self defense, and its offshoots. It is true that ninjutsu has a long and myth-filled history, but today almost anyone is allowed to practice modern ninjutsu. As one makes progress in ninjutsu the system gets more sophisticated, and one might realize that the system contains more than fighting skills. To avoid misunderstandings, "ninjutsu" should just refer to a specific branch of Japanese martial arts, unless it is being used in a historical sense.

VII. Archery [Kyudo]

The earliest known inhabitants of the Japanese islands were hunters and gatherers known as the Jomon. They relied [depended] heavily on the use of the bow. Their bows were of different lengths, but most were short. The Jomon bow was primarily used as a hunting tool, but it is quite probable that it was also used in tribal warfare and ritual.

From around 250 B.C. to A.D. 330 the Yayoi culture flourished. During this time the bow came to be used as a symbol of political power. Legend says that Japan's first ruler was Emperor Jimmu, (illustration at right) who ascended [went up, rose] to the throne in 660 B.C. While many historians dispute [argue, disagree with] this, the fact remains that in paintings and descriptions of his life Jimmu is always depicted [shown] holding a long bow, a symbol of his authority.

The Ancient Period (330 - 1190 A.D.)

During this period Japan was strongly influenced by Chinese culture. It was then that ceremonial archery became an important part of the court system. The Japanese bowmakers also began to borrow the composite construction [made from two or more parts] used by the Chinese and by the tenth century had developed a two-piece composite bow using bamboo and wood. The Ancient period also saw the rise of the samurai, or warrior class, and the bow saw even greater use as a weapon of war as the samurai struggled to establish themselves as a powerful new social class.

The Feudal Period

In 1192 Minamoto no Yoritomo was granted the title of shogun, or military governor, and established stricter standards for his warriors. As part of that training they learned mounted archery in a more formal manner. It was during this time that the schools of archery technique came into their own [became important in society]. One of the teachers standardizing the training of archery.

During the Feudal period the construction of the Japanese bow reached its peak. By the late sixteenth century it was regarded as being near perfect in design, so the bamboo and wood laminate bows used in modern kyudo are nearly identical to those made four hundred years ago.

The end of the sixteenth century also spelled the end of the bow's usefulness as a weapon of war when Oda Nobunaga, commanding soldiers armed with guns (muskets), defeated the opposing force of archers in a major battle in 1575.

The Transitional Period

In the seventeenth century Japan's period of civil war ceased and Japanese archery gradually changed from the technique of fighting with a bow to the way of personal development and sport. The Transitional period also saw common people become more involved with the practice of archery.

VIII. Fencing [Kendo "the way of the sword"]

The "soul of a samurai" was his swords which were not permitted to be carried by other classes.

The history of kendo

In the 12th to 15th centuries, sword fighting skills were important for samurai warriors. In addition to skill, the ability to remain calm under pressure was important. It was then that Zen Buddhism became an integral [important, required] part of the training through ritual and philosophy like it has in many other martial arts.

Modern kendo is based on traditional Japanese sword fighting designed to practice the most efficient ways of attack and counter attack. Today these forms are no longer appropriate as fighting with swords, and kendo has adapted them into a sport similar to fencing where points are given according to where on the body you hit someone with a bamboo stick. During the seventeenth century the shinai (bamboo stick) and armor were introduced and this was perfected in the late eighteenth century. The same items continue to be used today

Conclusion

There are several other japanese martial arts that I wouldn't be able to go over. This is just an overview, but do reasearch, and know that the history of many martial arts and their histories vary from time to time. However, keep in mind that we are all students of the martial arts. We should always strive to increase our knowledge in the things of the martial world.

[complete]

Great collection of information. Thanks a lot!!

[Bushido]

somebody give that boy some reputation points.

[complete]

Originally Posted by Bushido

somebody give that boy some reputation points.

You all can. I've given my points already.

[NinjaMaster]

Where did you get all these great info?

[BlackDragon]

Originally Posted by NinjaMaster

Where did you get all these great info?

wikipedia and various sites on the history of japanese martial arts.

[NinjaMaster]

I see an extra box of reputation points on BlackDragon. Congratulations. You've done some fantastic work here and your reputation proves it.

[BlackDragon]

Originally Posted by NinjaMaster

I see an extra box of reputation points on BlackDragon. Congratulations. You've done some fantastic work here and your reputation proves it.

Thanks!!! I'm just here for the forums. Good martial arts discussions. A place to come and share knowledge, share info, share advice,have good talks about martial arts, and grow. Pluss while on top of that, meet some cool martial artist like myself

[silver fox]

Originally Posted by BlackDragon

wikipedia and various sites on the history of japanese martial arts.

that's interesting, very thorough!!!!

[47MartialMan]

IMHO, it was kinda of lengthy, and I hope it was not completely plagerized.

Much of this is in many books on the subject prior to the internet.

Though I enjoy your enthusiasm and course to study beyond physical applications.

[Garou]

China

Although the ancient origins of karate are extremely vague, we do know that about 1400 years ago, Daruma (Bodhidharma), the founder of Zen Buddhism, used techniques basic to karate. According to legend, Daruma traveled from India to China to teach Buddhism. His training methods were so demanding that his disciples dropped from exhaustion. In order to build up their strength and endurance, he developed a method of training the mind and body. His training was taught in the monastery of the Shaolin Temple in China, where the techniques were refined and developed into fighting forms known as Shaolin Boxing.


Okinawa

In the 16th Century, Shaolin Boxing found its way to Okinawa from China. It combined with native Okinawan techniques to develop into several Okinawan styles. During several periods of Okinawan history, the owning and carrying of weapons was banned. Each ban resulted in great advancements in the techniques of unarmed combat. Secret training flourished, and the styles became more efficient and deadly.

This fighting system became known as Okinawa-te (Okinawa hand), then karate (empty hand), and finally karate-do (the way of the empty hand).

There were originally three styles of Okinawa-te, named for the towns where they were located: Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te. Shotokan karate is a modern Japanese style, descended from these traditional Okinawan styles.

Gichin Funakoshi is widely regarded as the father of modern karate and is certainly the father of Japanese karate. He was an Okinawan schoolteacher and an enthusiastic karate-ka. Born in 1868, he began to study karate at the age of 11, and was a student of the two greatest Te masters of the time, Yasutsune Azato (1827-1906) and Yasutsune Itosu (1830-1915). He grew so proficient that he was initiated into all the major styles of karate in Okinawa at the time.


Japan

In 1916 he gave a demonstration to the Butokuden in Kyoto, Japan, which at that time was the official center of all martial arts. On March 6, 1921, the Crown Prince, who was later to become the Emperor of Japan, visited Okinawa and Master Funakoshi was asked to demonstrate karate. In the early spring of 1922 Master Funakoshi traveled to Tokyo to present his art at the First National Athletic Exhibition in Tokyo organized by the Ministry of Education. He was strongly urged by several eminent groups and individuals to remain in Japan, and indeed he never did return to Okinawa.

Master Funakoshi taught only one method, a total discipline, which represented a synthesis of Okinawan karate styles. This method became known as Shotokan, literally the clan or the house of Shoto (which was the Master's pen name for his poetry and calligraphy). Shoto means waving pine. Funakoshi selected this name as a pen name because he enjoyed hearing the sound of the wind through the pine trees as he took evening walks in Okinawa.

In 1936, Funakoshi built his first dojo in Tokyo. His students named it the Shotokan, meaning Shoto's House or clan/club. Funakoshi did not actually name his style of karate, but the name of the dojo came to be associated with the style itself.

Master Funakoshi died on 26 April 1957. During his lifetime, he trained many famous students, including Shigeru Egami, Masatoshi Nakayama, Keinosuke Enoeda, Tsutomu Oshima, Hidetaka Nishiyama and Teruyuki Okazaki.

From Japan shotokan has spread worldwide, Including The UK where Keinosuke Enoeda, one of Funikoshi's students became chief instructor of the KUGB.

KUGB History


KUGB - Has over 400 clubs, all of which practice Shotokan Karate. It was established in 1966 as a democratic and non-profit making organisation for the development of Shotokan Karate and is affiliated to European and World Shotokan Karate Bodies. It has clubs established in many Sports Centres, Universities and Schools. The KUGB has produced many respected Fighters, one man in paticular, Frank Brennan became "the one man The Japanese trained to beat".It is this healthy competition between the KUGB in the UK and the JKA in Japan which has helped push Shotokan forward and made JKA karate what it is today.

There are many Shotokan federations and orginisations throughout the world. This is a history of JKA karate, of which Funikoshi was a founding member and the chief instructor, And the KUGB which has produced the some of most succesful Shotokan fighters of all time. These and their affiliates are the clubs who carry Shotokans history and legacy into the future.

KUGB, JKA, and the Irish USKF are some of the few Karate federations who do not use Gloves or protective gear in their tournements, allowing Full contact strikes to every part of the body except the groin, using hands,feet,Head,knees and elbows.And altough this makes it dangerous to compete it also makes for some Great Fighters who truly deserve their Black Belt.

[sannin227]

Wow, did yoou get that info from the internet or did you know it all of scratch?

[47MartialMan]

Nice thread and I like to see others posting;

However, I have a problem with:

Although the ancient origins of karate are extremely vague, we do know that about 1400 years ago, Daruma (Bodhidharma), the * founder of Zen Buddhism, used * techniques basic to karate. According to legend, Daruma traveled from India to China to teach Buddhism. His training methods were so demanding that his disciples dropped from exhaustion. In order to build up their strength and endurance, he developed a method of training the mind and body. His training was taught in the monastery of the Shaolin Temple in China, where the techniques were * refined and developed into fighting forms known as Shaolin Boxing.


* Zen Buddhism was already there before he got there and it was known as Ch'an. One shouldnt use Zen when speaking about Ch'an in China

* These were not tecniques basic to Karate, they were merely exercises

* He didnt travel to teach Buddhism, Buddhism was already there.

* The training wasn't refined. There were fighting rebels there in sanctuary and dressed as monks in cognito, logical to state these people taught fighting methods.

* Shaolin Boxing was a adopted Occidental term. The Chinese use this term, and Kung fu, against appropriate Chinese language and etymology, to mean Chinese Martial Arts. They ride on it because they follow the wave of acceptance. Though the PRC, doesnt accept it out of politics.

Nice post, please post more often-Thanks

[Magister]

Originally Posted by 47MartialMan

* Zen Buddhism was already there before he got there and it was known as Ch'an. One shouldnt use Zen when speaking about Ch'an in China

Bodhidharma's life is not historically provable. Some say he existed, some say he didn't, some say he is an amalgm of several different people...The same goes for most venerated people, such as Lao Tzu or Robin Hood. However, it is a fact that he is credited as the founder of Ch'an Buddhism, the Chinese character of Ch'an being pronounced by a Japanese person as Zen. Buddhism was already in China, but Bodhidharma's version of Buddhism became known as Ch'an. We must remember that the article appeared on a resource about Karate, where anyone reading it would be assumed to have a basic understanding of Karate and would therefore recognise the term Zen over the name Ch'an.

Check out this resource:
Bodhidharma - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Originally Posted by 47MartialMan

* The training wasn't refined. There were fighting rebels there in sanctuary and dressed as monks in cognito, logical to state these people taught fighting methods.

Refinement means a process of improvement and optimisation. The system was refined from it's original form and became recognised as being attributable to the Shaolin Temple.


Very Good Thread though, I shall try to put some of my own research here.