Figure 1.--Here we see an aikido tournament in Japan perhaps at Shounen in Japan, about 2005.
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Figure 1.--Here we see an aikido tournament in Japan perhaps at Shounen in Japan, about 2005. |
There are several disciplins of martial arts. The most best known in America are probably aikido, judo, karate, and tai-kwan-do, but there are many others. A reader tells us that there are virtually hundreds of variations of different martial arts, but probably 10 or 12 really major disciplines." The subject of martial arts disciplines is quite complicated. Not only are there many different disciplines, but there are different styles of these disciplines. At times it is difficicult to tell wther a specific martial art is a separate discipline or a style of a larger discipline. This is further complicated by the fact that some styles draw from more than one discipline. We are unsure at this time just what the differences are between the various diciplines. Some have origins in specific countries and the popularity varies from country to country. Aikido for example is largely Japanese and Tai-kwan-do largely Korean. Hopefully HBC readers will be able to offer some insights.
Note that many of the martial arts have names that end in "do". The character for "Do" or michi translates as "way" or "path" which translates as "The way of the sword" in kendo. Thus these disciplines are not merely sports like fencing or wrestling as in the West, but an entire philosophical tradition--literaly a a way of life learned through training in the various disciplines.
We have begun to collect some basic information on te various individual martial arts disciplines. We notice seven martiaal arts disciplines. Judo and Kasrate are probably the best known.Some are better known than others and this varies from country to country. There are presumably several other less known disciplines. Many are related and have adapted moves and holds. There are many styles of these disciplines, further complicating the varying disciplines.
Aikido is a martial art developed in Japan by Morihei Ueshiba who Aikido practioners call 'O Sensei' or 'Great Teacher'. The physical laspect of Aikido involves throws and joint locks based on Jujitsu. To a lesser degree therecare also throws and other techniques based on Kenjutsu.
Aikido focuses on using the force and monentum of an opponent to throw them away rather than punching or kicking them. Aikido emphasizes motion and physical dynamics. Aikido is not, however, just a self defense and physical welfare system. An important aspect is spiritual and moral enlightenment. In fact a translation from the Japanese is "The Way of Harmony of the Spirit".
Some practioners deny that there are varying styles. There are, however, clearly different approaches. The various styles or approaches, what ever one may call them, place a greater emphasis on the physical aspects while others emphasize the spiritual aspects. Here we see an aikido tournament in Japan perhaps at Shounen in Japan, about 2005 (figure 1).
The Filipino martial art "Escrima" in the last few years has become more popular and many of the freestyle karate schools are now teaching Escrima. There are many different styles of Escrima, many of which are regionally based. The martial art brought to the United States by Filipino immigrants are also called Kali and Arnis. Escrima has ancient origins in the Philippines. Escrima was for centuries a recreational activity. Filipino boys learned it along with reading, writing, religion and Sanskrit. This changed with rhe arrival of the Spanish (1521). Filipinos resisted Spanish rule, fighting with bolos, daggers and sticks. Gradually the Spanish with firearms were able to gain control, although for many years the Spanish were not able to control the back country and many islands in the Pgilippines. Only by the 18th century were the Spanish in full contol of the Islands. Spanish authorities banned Escrima. The Spanish prohibited the Filipinos from carrying bolos (a long bladed weapon similar to a machete) and daggers.
The practice of Escrima became a clandestine activity conducted in secret.
Judo is a fairly recent martial art compared with other martial art disciplines. It was developed by Dr. Jiguro Kano in 1882, when he founded his Japanese judo school, The Kodokan. The Kodokan still exists today and is considered the mother of all judo schools. Today, Kodokan judo, as developed by Kano, is the worldwide standard for sport and competition judo. Judo was derived from the ancient sport, or martial art of jujutso, which is still practiced in
Japan, as well as other parts of the world, although not nearly as popular as judo. Judo consists primarily of throwing techniques, or “nage waza”, but also includes techniques of grappling on the ground “osaewaza”, and choking techniques “shimewaza”. The art of judo is primarily practiced as a sport, but it is
also a highly effective self-defense technique. Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964, and a world governing body was organized, known as the International Judo Federation (IJF). Most judo matches are conducted under IJF rules.
This is one of the better known martial arts disciplines in the West. I am not sure why karate unlike most of the other martial arts has a name which does not end in "do". It may be because it is asociated with Okinawa. Japanese invaders made it a crime to practice Karate as part of their efforts to subdue the native Okinawa people.
This is one of the marshal arts in which a weapon is used. Kendo means "the Way of the sword" in Japan. The primary weapon of a Japanese Samuri was his sword. Kendo is the art of Samurai swordsmanship. It can be translated as Japanese fencing, but this does not capture its true meaning. "Ken" or tsurugi is the Japanese character meaning "sword". The character for "Do" or michi translates as "way" or "path" which translates as "The way of the sword". Thus kendo is not merely a sport like fencing in the West, but an entire philosophical tradition--litteraly a a way of life learned through kendo training. Kendo is deeply rooted in the traditions of Budo or Bushido--the Martial Way. Kendo was once much more popular in Japan than it is today, especially during the pre-World War II period when the militarists controlled Japan. Many officers were skilled in kendo and it is widely taught in Japanese schools. The skill and admiration with the sword was one reason why the Japanese during the War would execute prisonors by cutting their heads off. Kendo is still taught in Japanese schools, but I am not sure to what extent. For boys learning kendo, a kind of rod or batan. There are traditional costumes for kendo. Boys learning kendo in high school, however, usually wear their school gym uniforms. As far as I know, even in school, kendo is only practiced by boys.
Kyudo is essentially Japanese archery, but as with the other martial arts there is more involved than just the sport. The character 'kyu" means bow. The character "do" means way or path. Thus kyudo means the "way of the bow". Some Japan sources see kyudo as the purest of all the martial ways. Archery has been used for hunting, war, court ceremonies, games, and various contests.
Japanese archery was once known as kyujutsu (bow technique) which include both skills and techniques of military archery. There are still ancient kyudo schools which were called ryu. Kyudo ceremonies and games continue. Interestingly kyudo (archery) in the first half 9f te 20th century, kyudo does not seem to have had the same status as the kendo. At least as far as we can tell the Japanese militarists who seized control of Japan in the inter-War era seem more interested in swords than bows. Modern kyudo is practiced primarily as a method of physical, moral, and spiritual development.
I think that this is primarily a Korean martial arts discipline.
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