Martial Arts and Japanese Culture

Martial Arts and Japanese Culture
By Jigme Daniels
Special to The Epoch Times Aug 09, 2005

Japanese martial arts, particularly those descended from classical-
era ones, are a distinctive combination of art and science. Borne of
hundreds of years of internecine warfare, there were (at
conservative estimates) over 1000 different systems of combative
technique, each with their own peculiarities. What survives of these
are fascinating artifacts of the time and place of their development
that offer modern students a unique opportunity to practice an
ancient form.

According to a myth, the islands of Japan were formed by the two
deities Izanagi and Izanami. They dipped their spear into the ocean,
churned it, and created the first island, Onogoro, from the drops of
salty water which fell from the spear. In those early myths, gods
are described as partaking in ritual combat (wrestling, probably a
very ancient forerunner to modern Sumo) and using weapons as tools
for creation as well as destruction.

From 1200-1600, Japan was at war with herself, and large-scale
armored combat flourished. Martial arts of this period all featured
effective use of pole arms (spears, glaives and the like), some
sword, and general rudimentary grappling. By the time of the Battle
of Sekigahara in 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu moved into the final stage of
unifying a large number of independent fiefs under a central,
consolidated power. He established a new capital, Tokyoto (or Edo),
and contrived ways to keep the local rulers unable to mount
challenges to his authority.

As the relative peace and isolation of the Tokugawa era took hold
(trade was shut-down with outside countries except through two very
tightly controlled ports), the warrior class had less to do.
Individuals began to develop combative skills that were less
applicable to battlefield-use and more geared toward defending one's
employer and duelling. Warriors traveled from province to province
and challenged the best instructors; this was known as Musha Shugyo
(warrior's austerities). If the shugyosha (person undergoing the
training) lost, then he would become a student of the victor. Thus
famous systems were modified to suit specific needs for this type of
encounter. Arts also specialized in only a few weapons.

This was a contrast to the preceding warring-states period, where
Bushi (martial experts) of higher class were expected to be familiar
with everything from archery to dressage, and spears to dirks.

For the next two centuries, the role of the warrior caste changed,
which was reflected in the arts that they practiced and taught. In
the mid 1800's, Japan was reopened to the rest of the world. By the
late 1800's many members of the recently-abolished Samurai class
suddenly found themselves without stipends, so began teaching
commoners (which was previously considered in poor taste). It bears
mention that what was taught publicly was the Omote (outside, front-
face) of an art; the Ura (rear, what is not immediately apparent)
was still held in reserve for a select few.

While more comprehensive arts were still being taught, Kano Jigoro
founded the Kodokan (house for study of the way) in 1882. Kano
adapted the dangerous techniques of classical jujutsu into the sport
of Judo (a kind of jacket wrestling). By doing so, Kano contributed
a critical element of bringing obscure war arts to the general
populace. Japanese combative disciplines were also taken abroad
(U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was an active student of Judo).

In the late teens, the arts of Okinawa (tode, te or karate-
originally meaning China hand, now empty hand) were imported to the
main islands of Japan. These civilian boxing systems became popular
in Okinawa in primary and secondary schools (as Judo had done in
Japan). Note that karate is really outside of the purview
of 'Japanese fighting disciplines', but has become strongly
identified with Japan.

Other popular Japanese arts that emerged during the last century
include Shorinji Kempo (founded by a Japanese monk who combined
Chinese and Japanese methods), Aikido (based on classical jujutsu)
and Kendo (way of the sword, based on classical swordsmanship; kendo
has been in existence for 200 years but was standardized in the
early 1900's). Though none of these arts have the depth or
complexity of their forbears, they still manage to provide a glimpse
into the ancient Japanese fighting arts and are accessible to people
of all ages and backgrounds.

Jigme Daniels has been training in traditional Japanese martial arts
for over 20 years, and teaching for more than 10.