Martial arts
Discover dojos and classes for Karate, Judo, Kendo, Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and more across Japan. Suitable for all skill levels.
What is Sumo Wrestling?
This article is contributed by DISCOVA. Sports are a significant part of Japanese culture. Both traditional martial art such as Karate, Kendo and western import like Baseball are popular with both man…
Sumo Wrestling in Japan : Tournaments, Tickets and More
To the untrained eye, Sumo is a simple pushing and thrusting match between two overweight men in a small ring. Bouts are called when one of the fighters is forced out of the ring. As simple as it gets…
Karate Dojos & Karate in Japan
Emerging from the tranquil islands of Okinawa, Karate is esteemed as one of the most iconic martial arts worldwide. Renowned for its compelling repertoire, including a symphony of punches, agile kicks, powerful elbow strikes, and artistic open-hand techniques, Karate figureheads the meaning of "empty hand" in Japanese. Japan abounds with authentic Dojos (training halls), passionately preserving the discipline, each with its distinct sub-style—many of these esteemed Dojos open cultural bridges by offering engaging Karate classes in English.
Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Japan
If karate is the most well-known of Japan's empty-handed martial arts, judo comes in second. Whereas karate stresses punches, judo, which is Japanese for "gentle manner," emphasizes throws and takedowns. Strikes are outlawed in competition, and the goal is to pin or otherwise paralyze an opponent with a range of joint locks and choke moves.
Kendo Dojos in Japan
Kendo, or the "Way of the Sword," is a Japanese sport descended from the samurai swordsman style. A contest consists of two individuals armed with bamboo swords called shinai while wearing armored jackets and helmets. The two combatants strike and thrust at each other with repeated yells and shouts as they duel, attempting to land a strike on defined targets, including the head, wrists, and torso. The first combatant to three points wins the match.
Aikido Dojos in Japan
Aikido is a style of Japanese martial arts that is relatively new. Aikido focuses on defending its practitioners without injuring their attackers. Aikido does not have tournaments or fights since the purpose is to work and train together rather than defeating an opponent. Aikido means "way of the harmonious spirit" in Japanese.
What is Kyudo? An Easy Guide to Japanese Archery History and Basics
Kyudo is a traditional Japanese martial art focused on discipline, spirituality, and self-improvement through archery. This article explores the rich history, cultural significance, and unique practic…
