Page 23 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Tokyo

A POR TR AIT OF T OK Y O  21

Banners announce a Martial Arts
sumo tournament – here Originally developed as traditional arts of war
at the National Sumo by the samurai, the martial arts have evolved
Stadium in Tokyo (see into forms of austere discipline (shugyo) aimed
p149). Each tournament at spiritual improvement; some are also com­
lasts 15 days. The lower-
ranking wrestlers fight petitive sports. The modern forms of kendo and
early in the day, while kyudo trace their origins to methods practiced
higher-ranking ones in Japanese antiquity.
appear from mid-
afternoon onward. Kendo means the “way
of the sword.” Origi nating
The wrestlers’ Only 48 winning techniques from samurai fencing, kendo
hair is oiled and are commonly used, but many now uses bamboo swords.
fastened into a more have been identified. Contestants wear extensive
topknot (mage). padding and protection. In
a match, points are gained
for hitting the head, torso,
forearm, or throat.
Kyudo, or the “way of
the bow,” has close
associations with Zen
Buddhism. Although
accuracy in hitting
a target is important,
the emphasis is also
on concentration of
mind and body.

Judo developed from
jujitsu. A system of self-
defense, it is well established
as a sport in which
throwing and grappling
techniques are used to
subdue an opponent.
A loincloth (mawashi) is worn for bouts,
along with a thin belt (sagari) hung with Karate (“empty hand”) reached Japan
threads similar to those seen at Shinto shrines.
in 1922 from Okinawa. A form of self-
defense as well as spiritual and
physical training, it has become a
sport, consisting of explosive yet
controlled kicks, punches, or
strikes, and blocking moves.

Aikido – the “way of
harmonious spirit” – uses
an opponent’s strength
The ring stands under a suspended roof and speed against them.
resembling that of a Shinto shrine. A different- Training unites spiritual
colored tassel hangs from each corner of the awareness and physical
roof, representing the four seasons. flexibility.

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