Japan is known for many things—its breathtaking temples, rich history, and unique traditions—but one of its most fascinating cultural legacies is its martial arts.
They are deeply connected to philosophy, discipline, and self-improvement
People worldwide recognize sports like judo, sumo, and karate, but few really understand where they came from or what they represent.
This guide will take you through the most important Japanese martial arts, their origins, and the best places in Japan where you can see them in action.
- Japanese martial arts have deep roots in history and culture. They started with the samurai and evolved into structured training systems focusing on combat skills and personal growth.
- Many Japanese martial arts are now popular sports worldwide. Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964, karate was added in 2020, and sumo remains Japan’s national sport, with professional tournaments held throughout the year.
- Visitors to Japan can watch or even try martial arts themselves. Sumo tournaments occur at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, judo and kendo can be seen at the Budokan, and karate lessons are available in Okinawa.
What Are Japanese Martial Arts?
Japanese martial arts include different types of combat styles that have been practiced for centuries.
A few Japanese fighting styles involve weapons; the rest rely only on the body.
Many are connected to Zen Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism, which focus on self-discipline, meditation, and mental strength.
The words used to describe martial arts in Japan—budo, bujutsu, and bugei—may sound similar, but they have different meanings.
Budo (which means “martial way”) refers to modern martial arts that focus on self-improvement.
Bujutsu means “combat techniques” and refers to fighting methods used in real battles.
Bugei (which means “martial arts”) was traditionally used for the formal training of military skills.
Another important word is “do” (道), which means “the way” or “the path.”
Martial arts like kendo (the way of the sword) and aikido (the way of harmony) involve discipline, personal growth, and a deeper connection between the mind and body.
It is also important to mention that Japanese martial arts are not the same as Western sports.
While winning is important in competitions, the main goal is often about improving yourself rather than simply beating an opponent.
How Japanese Martial Arts Developed Over Time
The history of Japanese martial arts goes back more than 1,000 years.
During the Heian period (794–1185), Japan was mostly at peace, but conflicts started to rise by the end of this era.
This was when the samurai class first became powerful.
The warriors were trained in combat and followed bushido, a strict code of honor that focused on loyalty, courage, and self-discipline.
During this time, many martial arts were influenced by Chinese fighting styles.
In contrast, Japan slowly developed its own unique techniques and training systems.
During the Edo period (1603–1868), Japan experienced a long period of peace under the Tokugawa shogunate.
And since there were no major wars, samurai no longer had to fight in battles.
They rather focused on self-discipline, training, and perfecting their combat techniques.
During this period, the martial arts became more structured and organized into different schools, known as Ryu.
Sword fighting (kenjutsu) was highly respected, but other skills, such as archery (jujutsu), staff fighting (bojutsu), and jujutsu (grappling techniques), were also developed.
The government passed strict laws, including the “Sword Hunt” (katanagari), which banned common people from carrying swords.
Only the samurai class was allowed to train in advanced combat techniques, ensuring that martial arts remained exclusive to them.
Everything changed in 1868 when Japan entered the Meiji period and began modernizing.
The samurai class was abolished, and martial arts were no longer needed for real combat.
Some people saw them as old-fashioned and irrelevant.
But instead of disappearing, martial arts adapted to the new era.
Many of them were transformed into sports and educational activities.
Judo, for example, was created in 1882 by Kano Jigoro, who combined traditional jujutsu techniques with a focus on discipline and physical fitness.
Kendo, a modern version of sword fighting, was introduced as well.
During the early 20th century, Japan promoted martial arts to strengthen its national identity.
Judo and kendo became part of school education, and the idea of bushido was used to promote patriotism.
Nonetheless, after World War II, the American occupation banned martial arts for a few years because they were linked to Japan’s military past.
In the 1950s, martial arts were revived but with a new focus on sport, discipline, and international cooperation.
Judo became the first Japanese martial art to be included in the Olympics in 1964, marking a turning point in its global recognition.
Since then, other martial arts, including karate and kendo, have spread around the world.
Major Japanese Martial Arts and Where to See Them in Japan
Japan is home to many martial arts, each with a long history and deep cultural meaning.
Sumo, for example, traces back to religious traditions, whereas judo and karate have evolved into international competitive sports.
If you visit Japan, you can watch these martial arts at tournaments, training dojos, or cultural centers.
Here is a detailed look at the major Japanese martial arts and the best places to see them in Japan.
1. Sumo: Japan’s National Sport
Sumo (相撲) is the oldest martial art in Japan, with a history that dates back over 1,300 years.
It started as a Shinto ritual performed at shrines and festivals to entertain the gods, but over time, it became an official sport.
By the Edo period (1603–1868), sumo had developed clear rules, and professional tournaments were being held.
A sumo match takes place in a dohyo, which is a circular ring made of clay and covered in sand.
The goal of the match is simple: a wrestler (rikishi) must force his opponent out of the ring or make him touch the ground with any part of his body other than his feet.
Even though the matches are short, lasting just a few seconds to a minute, sumo requires intense training and discipline.
Sumo wrestlers live and train in sumo stables (heya), following a strict daily routine that includes early morning practice, eating a high-calorie diet, and maintaining traditional customs.
If you want to see sumo in Japan, the best places to visit are:
- Ryogoku Kokugikan (Tokyo): This is the most famous sumo stadium in Japan. It hosts three out of the six Grand Sumo Tournaments each year, held in January, May, and September. The stadium also has the Sumo Museum, which displays the history of sumo.
- Edion Arena (Osaka): This stadium hosts the March Grand Tournament and is a great place to watch sumo outside Tokyo.
- Dolphins Arena (Nagoya): This is where the July Grand Tournament takes place.
- Fukuoka Kokusai Center (Fukuoka): This is the venue for the November Grand Tournament.
- Sumo Stables (Tokyo): Many sumo stables in the Ryogoku district allow visitors to watch morning training sessions. Some of the well-known stables that welcome visitors include Arashio-beya and Hakkaku-beya.
If you want to try sumo-related food, you should eat Chanko Nabe, a protein-rich hot pot that sumo wrestlers eat to gain weight and strength. You can find restaurants serving Chanko Nabe in Ryogoku, Tokyo.
2. Judo: The Gentle Way
Judo (柔道), which means “gentle way,” was created in 1882 by Kano Jigoro.
It was developed from jujutsu, a samurai fighting style focused on throwing, grappling, and joint locks.
However, Kano wanted to create a martial art that emphasized technique over brute strength and could be practiced safely as a sport.
Judo is based on the principles of “maximum efficiency, minimum effort” (Seiryoku Zenyo) and “mutual welfare and benefit” (Jita Kyoei).
In 1964, judo became the first Japanese martial art to be included in the Olympics, bringing it global recognition.
If you want to see judo in Japan, the best places to visit are:
- Kodokan Judo Institute (Tokyo): This is the headquarters of judo, founded by Kano Jigoro himself. Visitors can watch training sessions, competitions, and even take short introductory lessons.
- Nippon Budokan (Tokyo): This venue hosts major judo competitions, including the All-Japan Judo Championships and international tournaments.
For those interested in learning judo, the Kodokan Judo Institute offers beginner-friendly classes where visitors can practice basic techniques.
3. Karate: The Empty Hand
Karate (空手), which means “empty hand,” originated in Okinawa and was influenced by Chinese martial arts.
It was officially introduced to mainland Japan in the early 20th century by Gichin Funakoshi, who is known as the “father of modern karate.”
Karate focuses on powerful strikes, punches, kicks, and defensive blocks.
There are different styles of karate, including Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shito-ryu, and Wado-Ryu, each with its own techniques and training methods.
Karate became one of the most practiced martial arts worldwide and was included in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
If you want to see karate in Japan, the best places to visit are:
- Okinawa Karate Kaikan (Okinawa): This center is dedicated to the history and practice of Okinawan karate. It has exhibitions, dojos, and training sessions for visitors.
- Japan Karate Association Headquarters (Tokyo): This is the main organization for Shotokan karate and regularly hosts training sessions and demonstrations.
- Nippon Budokan (Tokyo): This venue holds the All-Japan Karate Championships and other major tournaments.
In Okinawa, you can also take karate history tours and even participate in karate training workshops.
4. Aikido: The Art of Harmony
Aikido (合気道) is a Japanese martial art different from most others because it focuses on defense rather than attack.
It was created in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, who combined traditional jujutsu techniques with his belief in peace and harmony.
Aikido teaches people how to redirect an attacker’s energy instead of meeting force with force.
Aikido techniques include joint locks, throws, and smooth circular movements that allow a practitioner to control an opponent without hurting them too much.
Because of this, aikido is often called a peaceful martial art that focuses on self-defense and avoiding harm.
There are no official competitions in aikido, but it is still widely practiced around the world.
The best places to see aikido in Japan:
- Aikikai Hombu Dojo (Tokyo): The headquarters of aikido offers daily training sessions open to visitors.
- Kobayashi Dojo (Tokyo & Osaka): Well-known aikido schools that allow visitors to observe or join beginner classes.
- Nippon Budokan (Tokyo): Hosts aikido demonstrations during martial arts festivals.
Many dojos in Japan offer trial lessons for those interested in learning aikido, during which visitors can practice basic moves under expert guidance.
5. Kendo: The Way of the Sword
Kendo (剣道), which means “way of the sword,” is the modern version of samurai sword fighting (kenjutsu).
Rather than using real swords, kendo practitioners use bamboo swords (shinai) and wear protective armor (bogu).
It includes discipline, mental focus, and respect, following the bushido code that guided samurai warriors.
If you want to see kendo in Japan, the best places to visit are:
- Nippon Budokan (Tokyo): This is the most prestigious venue for kendo tournaments, including the All-Japan Kendo Championships.
- Tokyo University Kendo Dojo (Tokyo): One of the top university kendo clubs, sometimes open for public demonstrations.
- Kyoto Budo Center (Kyoto): A historic training center where you can watch traditional kendo matches.
Visitors can also join kendo workshops at cultural centers to try the sport themselves.
6. Kyudo: The Art of Japanese Archery
Kyudo (弓道), which means “the way of the bow,” is the modern form of samurai archery.
In contrast to Western archery, which prioritizes hitting the target, kyudo places equal importance on mental focus, discipline, and self-control.
In kyudo, the way a person stands, breathes, and releases the arrow shapes the outcome just as much as the shot itself.
Consequently, kyudo is often seen as a form of moving meditation, where the goal is to achieve a balance between the body and mind.
Historically, the bow was one of the main weapons of the samurai, used in both war and ceremonies.
But when guns became more common in Japan, archery was no longer needed for fighting; instead, it became a discipline for personal growth and self-improvement.
Today, kyudo is still practiced in Japan, and it is known for its graceful movements, strict training, and deep focus on discipline.
The best places to see kyudo in Japan:
- Meiji Jingu Kyudojo (Tokyo): A traditional kyudo range near Meiji Shrine where visitors can watch practitioners train.
- Kyoto Budo Center (Kyoto): Offers kyudo lessons and demonstrations for visitors.
- International Kyudo Federation (Tokyo): Organizes kyudo competitions and exhibitions.
Some kyudo dojos also offer beginner lessons, where visitors can learn the basic techniques of Japanese archery under expert instruction.
Trying kyudo can be a rewarding experience because it requires patience, precision, and a strong focus on both the mind and body.
Experience Japanese Martial Arts in Japan
If you want to truly understand Japan’s culture, there’s no better way than to experience its traditional martial arts firsthand.
Watching a sumo match, visiting a kendo dojo, or even trying a beginner aikido class can give you a deeper appreciation for Japan’s long history of discipline and combat training.
So, if you are planning a trip to Japan, why not take the opportunity to see or even experience martial arts for yourself?
Plan your visit, find a dojo or event that interests you, and experience yourself in the power, precision, and philosophy of Japanese martial arts for yourself!
