Characteristics of Japanese Martial Arts Styles
During its long history as a military nation, Japan was a wellspring of martial arts styles. Even though each of the surviving martial arts share some common ancestry, each has its own distinct characteristics.
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Karate-do
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Karate Karate-do, which translates to "empty hand way," originated in Okinawa in the 14th century, a time when peasants were forbidden from carrying military weapons. It emphasizes strikes, kicks and blocks, with maximum force concentrated at the point of impact. Some schools test this ideal by breaking objects like bricks and boards with bare hands and feet. Competitions are held regularly, and events include breaking and kata, which are solo exhibitions of form.
Jujitsu
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Jujitsu Jujitsu originated in 1532 as an unarmed supplement to samurai weapons training. Its name, which means "gentle art," refers to its place as an alternative to killing with a sword. The techniques in jujitsu are among the most damaging in modern martial arts, however, with moves including joint locks, breaks, throws and chokes. Japanese jujitsu is not a sport, and no competitions are held.
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Aikido
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Aikido Aikido, or "way of spiritual harmony," was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, a jujitsu master, in 1942. Aikido emphasizes using an opponent's momentum against him. Ideally a practitioner of Aikido can defend himself or herself without harming the attacker, although techniques can still be very damaging. Aikido is taught primarily as a physical and spiritual exercise, although its techniques are quite practical for defense.
Judo
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Judo, meaning "gentle way," is a sporting form of jujitsu developed in 1882, in which combatants use throws, pins and chokes to score points. It is among the most widely practiced Japanese martial arts and is even included in the Olympic games.
Kendo
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Kendo Kendo is a sport developed from Japanese swordsmanship developed in the 12th to 15th centuries. Kendo is practiced in bouts, where two armored combatants wield bamboo swords, and attempt to score points by striking one another.
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References
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