Basically, Japanese Budo (武道) is highly discipline and refined spirit needed, fundamentally, Budo is based on profoundly philosophical theory – “Conquer yourself rather than beating others”.
In other words, “Bushido (武士道) or Samurai no Kokoro-iki(侍の心意気) is most important spirit among these Japanese budo’s disciples.
According to the website of “Japanese Budo’s hall of fame – Nihon Budokan日本武道館“,describes what the Japanese Budo is –
The Definition of Budō
Budō is a form of Japanese physical culture that has its origins in the ancient tradition of bushidō – literally, “the way of the warrior.” Practitioners of budō develop technical martial skills while striving to unify of mind, technique and body; to develop their character; to enhance their sense of morality; and to cultivate a respectful and courteous demeanour. Thus, budō serves as a path to self-perfection. Budō as a general term refers to the modern Japanese martial arts disciplines comprised of jūdō, kendō, kyūdo, sumō, karatedō, aikidō, shōrinji kempō, naginata, and jūkendō.
Practitioners of Budo could learn not only mental toughness but also propriety through the lessons.
Budo’s are, also have different perspectives – which is “the art of self-defense”. Budo’s main priorities are – just smart ways of protecting ourselves from disasters, crimes, silly squabbles sudden incidents in our lifetimes. Budo is defensive ways of body protection from lot of threats – without wearing personal protective equipment.
Judo(柔道)
The aim in Judo is not just to win. Judo means “ 柔“soft “and “gentle”.
It is rather the mind that needs training not the body.
At the beginning of 12th century, Judo became part of the educational curriculum of boys from middle school onwards, then, it has become very widespread – all over the world.
Judo’s spirits is – “softness overcomes hardness”.
The ability of judo practitioners is indicated by Dan(段) and Kyu（級）。
Kendo(剣道) Iaido(居合道)
Kendo is a kind of fencing in which the fencer uses a “sword” for protection and to attack his opponent of the match.
Basically, Kendo uses shinai 竹刀(bamboo sword) Iaido uses shinken 真剣 (real sword and its sheath).
From the seventeenth century, it has been stresses that Kendo involves spiritual as well as technical refinement, under the influence of Buddhism, Confucian teaching like a Zen philosophy and Bushi do (武士道).
Kyudo(弓道)
Kyudo is Japanese archery. It is said to have been introduced in the eights century from China and Southeast Asia to Japan.
The bow had become widespread for hunting and fighting until medieval – before being introduced firearms from western countries to Japan. Subsequently, Kyudo development was a discipline of mind and body based on Zen and Confucian tenets.
It is also famous “Yabusame 流鏑馬“ – playing archery on the horseback.
Yabusame is one of Samurai’s accomplishments.
Sumo(相撲)
Sumo’s history goes back to ancient times. In the ancient myth’s book“Nihon Shoki (日本書紀)”, describes the gods wrestled with each other in some tales. Sumo is one of symbolic Japanese traditional budos and offerings to the gods.
Due to its origin in offering to the gods, sumo matches were likely to hold in the front of gods – means inside of shrines.
In modern sumo tournaments hold 6 times per a year in different places, Tokyo(January,May,September),Osaka(March),Nagoya(July), Fukuoka(November).
Sumo wrestlers have huge bodies with traditional costumes, powerful wrestling styles are very exciting!
The highest rank of sumo wrestlers are called “Yokozuna 横綱“.
The wrestlers ranking is shown at Banzuke 番付 board in every wrestling tournament.
Karate(空手)
Karate is system of self-defense in which the main emphasis is using the body to the body to the greatest effect to defeat an adversary.
It has perhaps developed in China around the eleventh century, in the fourteenth century, it was introduced to Japan via Okinawa.
Karate contests are, consists of two types, Kata(型)、Kumite(組手)。
Karate has spread all over the world, especially, to develop well-disciplined habit and a sense of courtesy for children.
Aikido(合気道)
Aikido’s basically theory is rather than fighting, it is better to focus on self-defense.
It emphasizes blending with an attacker’s motion rather than opposing it directly, using techniques that harmonize with the opponent’s energy to neutralize their attack. Unlike some other martial arts, Aikido does not focus on competition or fighting, but rather on self-development and the cultivation of a calm and centered mind.
In short, Aikido can be described as a modern Japanese martial art that emphasizes blending with an attacker’s motion, using body movement and posture to redirect force, and fostering both physical and spiritual development.
Japanese budo is to win over oneself by embracing a defensive posture rather than an offensive one. As Greek philosopher Plato said, “The first and best victory is to conquer self”.