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"the gentle way", has some similarities to Aikido, in that it uses the attacker's movement and momentum against them. Judo is more sport oriented and is an Olympic Sport, as well. Judo incorporates throws, joint locks and grappling techniques. It operates on a concept of "off-balancing" or kasushi. Judo was founded by Dr. Jigaro Kano in 1882 and is considered by some to be a refinement of Jujutsu techniques. Judo does not incorporate striking or kicking techniques. In competition, many Judoka try to bring their opponent to the ground, as there are more ways to win the match that way. From a standing position, the only way to win is to do a perfect throw. Pinning, choking and arm bars are possible to win from the mat.

Jujutsu, "the gentle art", is a martial art that focuses more on self defense. Though there are some sport competitions in the area of Jujutsu, they are relatively uncommon. Jujutsu is a grappling martial art and has some similarities to both Aikido and Judo in that it uses the opponent's energy against them. Jujutsu uses striking, throwing techniques and joint locks. Jujutsu also includes lethal techniques. The focus of Jujutsu is to disable the attacker as quickly as possible. Groundwork is taught in case an assailant puts the Jujutsu-ka on the ground but it is seen as preferable to fight upright rather than from a prone position, especially since the focus is on self-defense and not points for competition.

Kendo, "the way of the sword" developed from the more traditional techniques of Kenjutsu. Kendo uses protective armor and utilizes bamboo swords for weapons. It is sometimes looked upon as a form of Japanese fencing but differs significantly from western fencing styles. Kendo is competitive in nature and points are given for striking certain areas of the body of the opponent with the edge of the sword and the tip. Kendo contains some kata for practice that include basic techniques used to attack and defend the individual Kendo-ka. Competition is limited to fighting and doesn't include the execution of kata.

Iaido, "the way of mental preparedness" is a martial art that focuses on the correct techniques of drawing a sword. Iaido practitioners train using kata. Some forms are done solo and others are done with a partner. Kata stress the importance and etiquette in how to handle the sword (katana) in a respectful and almost reverent manner. Kata are made up of the drawing of the katana, cutting and returning the katana to its scabbard. In the beginning stages of practice, bokken (wooden swords) are used in place of katana.

Karate, as stated earlier, is not a Japanese martial art but an art from Okinawa, which is now a part of Japan. The Japanese adopted this martial art, which is a combination of Chinese martial arts techniques and Okinawan fighting techniques. Karate means "empty hand". Karate was brought to Japan by Gichin Funakoshi, who demonstrated it at exhibitions there. Eventually Karate became a part of the Japanese public school curriculum. There are many different styles of Karate but all styles involve striking, kicking and blocking techniques. Training in Karate is broken down into kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). There are Karate tournaments throughout the world and there are many opportunities to compete in kata and kumite.

These are just a few of the many forms of Japanese martial arts but the most popular. Even though this list isn't all inclusive, it gives the novice a basic guide from which to draw upon to seek additional knowledge.

Learn more about this author, Jules Willis.
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