The New York Yankees, an empire built on power and precision, are suddenly looking a lot like a house of cards, ready to topple at the slightest gust of wind.

The season hasn’t even started, and already, the cracks are showing.

Luis Gil, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, is down with a shoulder issue.

So, the Yankees, of course, are playing the waiting game, hoping an MRI will tell them something they want to hear.

And then there’s DJ LeMahieu, the veteran infielder who was supposed to provide stability at third base, now sidelined with a calf injury.

Suddenly, everything’s in flux.

So what do the Yankees do?

Do they react with the urgency of a team that is supposed to be competing for a title?

Or do they sit back and pretend their depth chart is just fine?

Right now, it feels like the latter.

Stroman: From Trade Bait to Lifeline

Marcus Stroman is still here, which is something nobody was expecting a month ago.

The Yankees had been dangling him in trade talks, seeing if they could offload his $18.5 million salary for something shinier.

But now, thanks to Gil’s injury, they need him desperately.

And here’s the thing about Stroman—he’s a good pitcher, but is he a good Yankees pitcher?

Well, New York expects dominance, not just reliability.

Stroman is solid, but he doesn’t exactly scream “ace.”

He’s stepping into the No. 5 starter role out of necessity, not because the Yankees want him there.

It’s a situation that makes you wonder: Why wasn’t the rotation built to withstand an injury or two?

The Yankees committed a massive $218 million to Max Fried, so they’re clearly willing to spend when it suits them.

But now, when an injury strikes, they suddenly have to scramble.

It’s just another example of this team constantly reacting instead of preparing.

The Third Base Mess That Should Have Been Avoided

Then we get to DJ LeMahieu.

He’s 36 years old, coming off a mediocre, injury-plagued season.

And yet, the Yankees entered Spring Training acting as if he was going to hold down third base with no problems.

That was always a mistake.

Now, after tweaking his calf, he’s a question mark for Opening Day.

So what happens now?

Both Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza are young, unproven, and far from ideal solutions.

The Yankees should have fixed this problem months ago.

And yet, here we are.

The answer seems obvious to everyone except those who actually make decisions in the Bronx: Go get Nolan Arenado.

Yankees fans are practically begging for it at this point.

The trade rumors have been swirling for months, and now there’s a real reason to pull the trigger.

Arenado is still a defensive wizard at third base, and even though he’s not the MVP-level hitter he used to be, he’d still be an instant upgrade.

But will the Yankees do it?

Probably not.

They’ll claim his contract—$74 million over the next few years—is too big.

Or they’ll decide they don’t want to part with prospects.

Meanwhile, they’re relying on Cabrera, who hit a forgettable .247/.296/.365 last year, and Peraza, who’s still an unknown.

Flirting With J.D. Martinez, But Why?

And while we’re talking about questionable moves, let’s address the J.D. Martinez rumors.

With Giancarlo Stanton’s availability in question, the team has reportedly made “some contact” with free agent J.D. Martinez.

But is signing a 37-year-old Martinez the answer?

Martinez was decent last year for the Mets—.235 average, 16 homers, 69 RBIs—but he’s not exactly the power bat he once was.

If this is just a stopgap solution, that’s fine.

But if the Yankees think he’s some kind of game-changer, then they’re fooling themselves.

Meanwhile, the Bullpen is Still a Puzzle

Remember when the Yankees had an elite bullpen?

That feels like a lifetime ago.

Right now, it’s a patchwork situation.

Tommy Kahnle is gone, off to Detroit on a one-year, $7.75 million deal.

Devin Williams is the new closer, which is great, but who else is there?

Luke Weaver is in the mix.

Ian Hamilton, Mark Leiter Jr., and Jonathan Loaisiga are around.

But it’s not exactly a group that inspires confidence.

The Yankees seem to realize this, which is why they’re sniffing around the free-agent market.

Brooks Raley and Andrew Chafin have been linked to them, both lefties who could provide some stability.

Raley is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, so he wouldn’t even be available until midseason.

Chafin, at 34, had a respectable 3.51 ERA last season but struggled with command.

The problem is that the Yankees are now in a position where they have to make these moves instead of doing them proactively.

It’s the same theme over and over again—scrambling when things go wrong instead of being ahead of the curve.

Oswaldo Cabrera Trade Talks: Just Another Distraction?

Oh, and speaking of infielders, other teams have apparently been calling about Oswaldo Cabrera.

But the Yankees, at least for now, seem unwilling to move him.

Why?

Cabrera is a nice utility piece, but he hasn’t exactly proven he’s a key part of this team’s future.

The Yankees have had chances to upgrade the roster, but they seem determined to hold onto young players who haven’t made the leap.

It’s the same frustrating pattern we’ve seen before.

The Bottom Line: Stop Reacting, Start Acting

So where does that leave us?

The Yankees are a team in flux, and not in a good way.

They’re waiting on MRI results for Luis Gil, hoping their rotation won’t take a devastating hit while also crossing their fingers that DJ LeMahieu’s calf injury won’t derail their already shaky infield plans.

Rather than making bold moves, they’re flirting with stopgap solutions like J.D. Martinez and Andrew Chafin, patching holes rather than building a powerhouse.

And most frustrating of all, they seem unwilling to go all-in when it comes to fixing obvious problems.

This is a franchise built on championships, a team that demands excellence—so why aren’t they acting like it?

The Yankees can’t afford to sit back and wait for good fortune to bail them out.

It’s time to be aggressive, stop reacting, and start shaping their own fate.

Right now, this doesn’t resemble a team preparing to win it all.

It, more so, looks like a club crossing its fingers and praying for luck.

In baseball, luck is just another way to lose, and it is never a strategy.

The New York Knicks delivered a thrilling comeback on Sunday night, overcoming a daunting 19-point deficit to secure a dramatic 116-112 overtime victory against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center.

In a game with intensity, resilience, and clutch performances, Jalen Brunson led the charge with 31 points, while OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns made critical contributions in a game that tested the Knicks’ toughness.

This win extended New York’s winning streak to three games and also showed the team’s ability to rise under pressure.

Miami, led by Bam Adebayo’s 30 points and Tyler Herro’s 22, seemed to have control for much of the game.

However, the Knicks, true to their identity under head coach Tom Thibodeau, never gave up, grinding their way back into contention and ultimately sealing the win in overtime.

For Miami, the absence of Andrew Wiggins and Jaime Jaquez Jr. due to ankle injuries was felt, especially in the closing moments when the Heat struggled to match the Knicks’ energy and execution.

The game had all the makings of a classic battle, with both teams exchanging blows in the final minutes of regulation before New York outlasted their opponents in the extra period.

A Wild Comeback: How the Knicks Flipped the Script

The Knicks found themselves in an early hole, trailing by 17 at halftime after a dominant first-half performance by the Heat, who controlled the pace and outscored New York by 20 points in the paint before the break.

Things didn’t improve much in the third quarter, as Miami extended their lead back to 19.

But this Knicks team, built around toughness and relentless effort, refused to fold.

Slowly but surely, they chipped away at the deficit, closing the third quarter on a 17-5 run.

Karl-Anthony Towns dominated the boards, finishing with a dominant 19 points and 16 rebounds, giving New York the second-chance opportunities they needed to get back into the game.

In the fourth quarter, the Knicks’ defense locked in, holding Miami to tough shots while continuing to find ways to score.

Miles McBride’s clutch jumper with 2:58 remaining gave New York its first lead of the night at 101-100, a moment that shifted the momentum in their favor.

The Heat, however, weren’t done fighting.

Down by four with under a minute left in regulation, the Knicks refused to let the game slip away.

OG Anunoby came up with a massive tip-in, keeping the team within striking distance, and Brunson followed up with a mid-range jumper to tie the game and force overtime.

The resilience on display was nothing short of remarkable.

Brunson and Anunoby Seal the Deal in Overtime

As overtime began, the game was up for grabs.

Both teams traded baskets, but Brunson took control, draining a three-pointer with 2:27 left to give New York a 111-110 lead.

This shot ignited a 7-0 run for the Knicks, pushing them ahead and forcing Miami into desperation mode.

Alec Burks attempted to bring the Heat back with a deep three, cutting the lead to 114-112 with just 27 seconds remaining.

But Anunoby had the final word, rising for a thunderous dunk with 17 seconds left that effectively sealed the game.

The Knicks had officially completed the comeback, silencing the Miami crowd and reinforcing their reputation as one of the toughest teams in the league.

By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Knicks had flipped the early script, overcoming their early struggles and finishing with a 58-56 edge in points in the paint—an incredible turnaround given their first-half struggles.

Knicks Still Dealing With Injuries, But Help Could Be Coming Soon

Even though the win was impressive, the Knicks are still struggling with injuries that could affect their season.

Karl-Anthony Towns, who was instrumental in the comeback, has already been ruled out for their upcoming game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a knee injury.

Rookie center Ariel Hukporti is set to start in his place.

OG Anunoby, who has been working his way back from a foot sprain, looked strong in his return, providing defensive plays and timely scoring.

Mitchell Robinson, another key piece of the Knicks’ interior defense, remains out, though there is optimism that he could return this weekend.

The 7-footer, who has yet to play this season following offseason foot surgery, has been cleared for 5-on-5 contact in practice, a significant step toward his return.

Josh Hart, who is dealing with a nagging knee injury, is listed as probable for the next game, while Kevin McCullar Jr. and Jacob Toppin will remain sidelined due to their two-way contract status.

What This Means for the Knicks’ Playoff Push

With this win, the Knicks continue climbing the Eastern Conference standings, proving they can fight through adversity.

The team’s chemistry, defensive grit, and clutch playmaking have been on full display, and if they can stay healthy, they could be a serious threat in the playoffs.

Mitchell Robinson’s return would provide a major boost to their defensive identity, adding much-needed shot-blocking and rebounding to the lineup.

His presence alongside Towns, who has been an offensive force, could create one of the most balanced frontcourts in the league.

Brunson has solidified himself as the team’s leader, stepping up in big moments and delivering in clutch situations.

His ability to take over games down the stretch has been invaluable, and with a supporting cast that includes Anunoby, Hart, and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks have all the tools to make a deep playoff run.

However, one concern looms: workload management.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau has a history of giving his top players heavy minutes, and with several Knicks ranking among the league leaders in playing time, fatigue could become a problem.

The Knicks won’t have much time to rest on Tuesday night as they host the Golden State Warriors.

It will be an important test to see how they bounce back after such a physically and emotionally draining win.

A Defining Moment in the Season

The Knicks’ overtime win against the Heat was a strong victory that showed their resilience, as they fought back when the game seemed lost and proved they are a top team in the East.

This loss was hard for Miami, especially after their early strong performance.

Adebayo’s performance was stellar, but the absence of Andrew Wiggins and Jaime Jaquez Jr. hurt them in the closing moments.

Erik Spoelstra’s team will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the Washington Wizards.

For New York, the road ahead is still full of challenges, but if this game was any indication, the Knicks are more than ready to face them head-on.

They’ve battled injuries, overcome deficits, and shown they are built to win in the toughest moments.

The question now is whether they can sustain this momentum through the grind of the rest of the season and into the playoffs.

If the Knicks continue playing with this level of fight and determination, they will be a nightmare for any team that stands in their way.

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.

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!