Culture & History

Japanese Martial Arts Guide: Judo, Kendo, Karate and Aikido

By JAPN Published · Updated

Japanese Martial Arts Guide: Judo, Kendo, Karate and Aikido

Major Arts

Judo, created by Kano Jigoro in 1882, adapted techniques from older jujutsu schools into a sport emphasizing throws and grappling with safety-conscious rules, becoming an Olympic sport in 1964. Karate, originating in Okinawa from Chinese martial arts influences, emphasizes striking techniques. The four major styles (Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, and Wado-Ryu) differ in stances, timing, and philosophy. Kendo, the way of the sword, uses bamboo shinai swords and protective armor (bogu) for full-contact sparring based on classical swordsmanship.

Aikido, founded by Ueshiba Morihei in the 1920s, redirects an attacker’s energy through circular movements and joint locks rather than meeting force with force. Kyudo (archery) transforms the simple act of shooting an arrow into a meditative discipline where the process matters more than hitting the target. Sumo, discussed elsewhere in this guide, is technically the national sport. Japan also developed jujutsu, ninjutsu, and various weapon arts preserved by koryu (classical) schools.

Training and Watching

Martial arts dojos in Tokyo and Osaka offer drop-in or short-course training for visitors, typically 3,000 to 5,000 yen per session. The Kodokan in Tokyo, judo’s world headquarters, allows spectators to watch training sessions from an observation gallery. Nippon Budokan in Kitanomaru Park hosts major martial arts tournaments. The All Japan Kendo Championships in November at Budokan provide the most exciting competitive martial arts viewing in Japan.

Practicing Martial Arts in Japan

Visitors can experience martial arts through introductory workshops and dojo visits. Kendo (the way of the sword) workshops offer bamboo-shinai sparring practice at dojos in Tokyo, Kyoto, and other cities for 3,000 to 5,000 yen per session. Judo, originating from the Kodokan in Tokyo’s Bunkyo ward, allows spectators to watch practice sessions free of charge and offers introductory classes. Aikido, founded by Ueshiba Morihei, has dojos that welcome visitors for observation and sometimes participation. Kyudo (archery) sessions at temples and cultural centers teach the meditative drawing and release of the Japanese longbow. Karate, originating from Okinawa, has its most traditional dojos on the islands. Sumo training observation (asageiko) at designated sumo stables provides insight into the daily regimen of professional wrestlers, available by advance arrangement.

The philosophy underlying Japanese martial arts (budo) emphasizes character development over fighting ability. The karate dojo kun (training hall rules) typically begins with ‘seek perfection of character’ before any mention of technique. Judo’s founding principle, ‘maximum efficiency, minimum effort’ (seiryoku zenyo), applies to life beyond the mat. The rank system using colored belts (obi), from white (beginner) through brown to black (dan grades), was introduced by Kano Jigoro for judo and adopted across most martial arts worldwide.

Where Visitors Can Train

Many dojos welcome short-term visitors for trial classes. The Kodokan in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, the birthplace of judo founded by Kano Jigoro in 1882, opens its doors to international judoka and beginners for practice sessions. The building houses eight floors of training areas, and free spectator viewing of daily practice runs from roughly 4 to 7 PM on weekdays. Aikido Hombu Dojo near Shinjuku (headquarters of the Aikikai Foundation established by Ueshiba Morihei) offers beginner classes.

For kendo, the Nippon Budokan in Kitanomaru Park, Tokyo (built for the 1964 Olympics judo competition), hosts the All-Japan Kendo Championship each November, drawing Japan’s top practitioners for single-elimination matches that combine athletic speed with centuries of sword-fighting tradition. Spectator tickets cost 1,000 to 3,000 yen. In Kyoto, the Butokuden hall at Butokuden near Heian Shrine was originally built in 1895 to preserve martial arts traditions and still hosts training and demonstrations. Karate dojos in Okinawa, the art’s birthplace, offer intensive week-long training programs for visiting practitioners through organizations in Naha and Shuri.

This content is for informational purposes only and reflects independent research. Details may change — verify current information before making travel plans.