Japanese Martial Arts Styles

The Samurai. Jigoro Kano. Even Steven Seagal . What do these groups and people have in common? They've all been involved in Japanese martial arts, that's what. And when you think about it, the world of fighting and self defense owes a huge debt of gratitude to the Japanese martial arts styles of karate, judo, aikido, and more. So, let's learn a...

History indicates that the martial arts style of aikido was mostly formulated during the 1920's and 30's by Morihei Ueshiba in Japan. Aiki refers to the idea of becoming one with an aggressor's movements so as to control them with minimal effort.

A History and Style Guide of Budokan Karate - Check out the story on Chew Choo Soot and Budokan karate here.

Goju-ryu is a traditional Okinawan style of karate. The term Goju-ryu actually means “hard-soft style,” which refers to the closed hand techniques (hard) and open hand techniques and circular movements (soft) that comprise this martial art.

Thinking about the practice of the Japanese martial arts style of iaido in this day and age might leave one imagining a scenario from the movie Highlander. In other words, iaido history and practice could certainly point a 21st century person's mind in the direction of a warrior unsheathing a sword in a public garage and beheading someone.

Judo is a popular martial arts style and Olympic sport with a rich, though relatively recent history. Breaking the term judo down, ju means “gentle” and do “means the way or path.” Thus, judo translates to "the gentle way."

Jujutsu History and Style Guide Introduction: Let's say that you were a Samurai during medieval times in Japan. I know, big stretch, right? Still, if you were, you would need to know how to use a sword. But what if you didn't have that sword with you?

Karate is primarily a stand up or striking martial art that emerged on the island of Okinawa as a blend of native Okinawan fighting styles and Chinese fighting styles.

Kyokushin History and Style Guide Introduction: You walk into the karate tournament as a spectator and immediately notice the difference. Rather than referees acknowledging points, you actually hear the grunts from opponents that signify a strike has landed

A History and Style Guide of Ninjutsu - Like many martial arts styles of significance, the history of ninjutsu is difficult to trace. That said, ninjutsu appears to have developed out of a need to oppose the ruling Samurai class between the 13th-16th centuries in the Iga Province and Kōka, Shiga of Japan.

The history of the martial arts style of Shotokan begins with Gichin Funakoshi, a man that is given great credit not only for its birth but also for helping to popularize karate in general. However, in recent years a UFC fighter by the name of Lyoto Machida has done quite a bit to bring the art of Shotokan to the forefront.

A History and Style Guide of Sumo Wrestling - When you think of Sumo wrestling, one thing inevitably comes to mind. Sheer size.