The Japanese honor their ancestry and history with the utmost respect. Japanese sword fighting looms large in the national cultural psyche. Although no longer used for battle, Japanese sword martial arts do still incorporate the noble techniques of sword-wielding in various forms today.
If you’re interested in Japanese swords and are curious about how they are seamlessly incorporated into sword fighting styles, read on. The role and meaning of Japanese swords in modern-day martial arts, and the peaceful yet skillful aim of those arts, are not only fascinating but genuinely inspiring.
Origins and Modern Types of Japanese Sword Fighting
These techniques derive from the classic kenjutsuKENJUTSU 剣術 "the art of swords" learn more... and include, most notably, modern-day kendoKENDO 剣道 "the way of the sword" learn more.... Kenjutsu is the term that describes all types of swordsmanship that date back to the earliest years of Japan and the samuraiSAMURAI 侍 "warrior serving a lord" learn more.... It is still taught today, but now focuses on the style and use of different swords rather than actual battle with them. Kenjutsu has become more of an art form.
Kendo and the Bokken Sword
Kendo is derived from kenjutsu; however, it is a modern-day type of sport and real swords are not used. Students of Kendo wear armor and use bokkenBOKKEN 木剣 "wooden sword" learn more... or shinaiSHINAI 竹刀 "bamboo sword" learn more... practice swords, which are made from wood and bamboo.
Iaido and Its Bokken
Another derivative of kenjutsu is the Japanese sword fighting style called iaido. This form of Japanese sword martial art teaches the style and techniques of the classic long sword, the katanaKATANA 刀 "sword" learn more.... Reflecting both kenjutsu and kendo, iaidoIAIDO 居合道 "art of drawing a sword" learn more... trains you in body and mind. It teaches the correct techniques to unsheathe this very long weapon and the style to wield it. However, it also trains the student how to use his or her katana to defeat an opponent. The iaido instructor will start off teaching you these skills with a bokken, and then when he feels sure of your abilities, will allow you to train with a steel katana.
Aikido and the Karma of Aggression
Another popular form of Japanese martial arts that includes Japanese sword fighting style is aikidoAIKIDO 合気道 "way of gathering energy" learn more.... Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba in the mid-20th century. He created his martial art specifically to honor the sword as a bringer of peace. Morihei’s technique in sword-wielding focuses on calmness of movement, much like a form of meditation. However, his techniques also promote physical strength as well as honor in the student. With aikido, you can learn to strengthen yourself through a bold serenity while gracefully demonstrating the beauty of sword movements.
“To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace.” –Morihei Ueshiba
Japanese Martial Arts Swords in Modern Times
When thinking about Japanese sword fighting your mind may wander off to the dangers of what sounds like a brutal activity. Quite frankly, back before the Meiji Restoration in the mid 1800s, it often was. But now, the styles and art of these disciplines remain while the aggression and military aspect is gone.
Still important, too, are the world-famous swords used for Japanese martial arts.
Carried on the sides of the foot soldiers, and the cavalry on horseback, were several different types of swords used to accost enemies. Most famous were the classic swords:
- Katana: This was a samurai’s primary sword
- WakizashiWAKIZASHI 脇差 or 脇指 "medium-length sword" learn more...: This sword was usually paired with a katana
- TantoTANTO 短刀 "short sword" learn more...: A short dagger carried by many warriors in early Japan
Interestingly, some of Japan’s infantry soldiers still carry the above three swords today, though they are not meant for use in battle. While the Japanese still respect their ancestry, the blades represent ancient Japan and the days of the samurai – without violence or death.
Discover the Style and Dojo That is Best Suited for You
After learning about all these forms of sword use from Japan, the next thing to ask yourself is if it’s right to indulge in the teachings of Japanese martial arts yourself. Do you have the desire to honor the ancestry of this beautiful country and its past? Do you yearn to develop the skills of a modern-day samurai?
You can accomplish this by researching and visiting the different dojoDOJO 道場 "martial arts hall/studio" learn more...s in your area that offer any or all these special types of martial arts. The different styles and techniques mentioned on this page are becoming more and more popular in the United States and other countries. You should now understand more about each of them and how they all use different techniques.
Outside Japan, the interest to learn one of these Japanese sword martial arts has grown and continues to expand. Interest in kendo is rapidly growing in places like California and Hawaii. Some southern and midwestern states in America have taken a pronounced interest in the different styles and techniques of the sword as well. Now, this noble sport seems to have popped up in northern states as well as Canada.
Admiration for a Beautiful Culture and Country
Lastly, some words to honor and recognize the beauty of Japan, the country where sakuras bloom and waterfalls roar. Where the clean city streets and aroma-filled restaurants excite the senses as you eat a delicious bowl of udon noodles. And the dojos where they practice ancient sword techniques. It all mixes into a remarkable culture and a proud history; relics such as a well-made sword set are the physical talismans of that culture.
The Japanese continue to remember their traditions by keeping alive many forms of art such as pottery, calligraphy, origami, and martial arts of different styles. It is this way of life that piques the curiosity of people from other countries. It inspires a robust desire to dive more deeply into the wonders of this Asian culture.
Life in Japan is full of surprises and contradictions. It tends to cling to past cultural values that a lot of other countries have lost along the way, even as Japan continues leaping forward into the modern world of technology with electronics and robotics. By remembering the past, including the beauty and honor of sword fighting, it keeps its feet well-grounded to history.