Page 41 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

A POR TR AIT OF JAP AN  39

Banners announce a Martial Arts
sumo tournament – here
at the Ryogoku Sumo Originally developed as arts of war by the samurai,
Hall in Tokyo (see p106). the martial arts have evolved into forms of austere
Each tournament lasts 15 discipline (shugyo) aimed at spiritual improvement;
days. The lower-ranking some are also competitive sports. The modern forms
wrestlers fight early in the of kendo and kyudo trace their origins to methods
day, while higher-ranking practiced in Japanese antiquity.
ones appear from mid-
afternoon onward. Kendo means the “way of
the sword.” Origi nating from
samurai fencing, kendo
now uses bamboo swords.
The wrestlers’ hair is Only 48 winning techniques Contestants wear extensive
oiled and fastened into are commonly used, but many
a topknot (mage). more have been identified. 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 threads similar to those Karate (“empty hand”) reached Japan
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.

038-039_EW_Japan.indd 39 08/08/16 2:53 pm