Kobudo (Classical Martial Arts)

A ritualized form of suicide representing samurai honor and the code of bushido, practiced from the Nanboku-Cho period through the Edo era as a way of taking responsibility. Recognized as demonstrating samurai pride and loyalty. Now studied as historical phenomenon reflecting traditional warrior values.

A philosophical code governing samurai conduct and ethics emphasizing honor, loyalty, self-discipline, and courtesy. Established in the Edo period, it profoundly influences modern Japanese spirit. Inherited throughout martial arts including tea ceremony, kendo, and judo. It serves as the spiritual foundation supporting Japanese cultural values.

Ancient martial art employing a sickle with an attached chain. Evolved from agricultural tools, it features effective striking and entanglement techniques against distant opponents. Incorporated into koryu bujutsu systems, it remains a valuable legacy of Japanese martial arts, studied and practiced by martial arts researchers today.

An ancient Japanese martial art originating from battlefield grappling. It encompasses a comprehensive system of practical techniques including throws, joint locks, chokes, and strikes. As the source of both judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, it has been globally reappraised as 'jujitsu' amid the rise of MMA (mixed martial arts).

A Japanese martial art using bamboo swords and armor, originating from samurai swordsmanship. Emphasizing the unity of spirit, sword, and body, it values etiquette and spirituality alongside technique. The 'ippon' scoring requires beautiful strikes, embodying a uniquely Japanese martial art culture aimed at character development beyond mere winning.

Traditional Japanese archery using the wabumi bow. Using the world's longest bow (approximately 2.2 meters), movements following the 'eight stages of shooting' constitute a spiritual discipline akin to Zen. The goal is not merely hitting the target—the philosophy of 'seisha hicchu' (correct shooting always hits) encapsulates Japanese martial arts philosophy.