Japan's history and culture is one of the world's finest. From their most infamous warriors to the aspect of arts, they truly speak from themselves and signify a profound meaning. Japan's history and culture are my favorite. We have seen alot of them from movies, stories and tv series. Japan's art works is the one that facinates me. Simple and yet colorful. What is so amazing is that up to now, the Japanese still manage to keep their traditions alive and the younger generation are proud to carry them on.
I had a privilege to see their wonderful culture expressed through exhibit. The Japanese foundation is proud to share a portion of their amazing history through exhibits at the Philippine National Museum called " The Spirit of Budo: The History Japan's Martial Arts. "
You can learn from the exhibits about the history of war , the production of historical weapons and the techniques of combats and used of weaponry in the battle that evolved and to the formation of martial arts , how they were utilized put into organizations and how the Japanese society benefits from them. It was very interesting how they came up with different organizations and federations of martial arts such as Karatedo, Kendo, Kyuodo, Sumo, Naginata Shorinji Kempo, Jukendo, Judo and aikido to promote peace and discipline among the Japanese society.
The Spirit of Budo:
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Insigna of the Japanese Budo Association |
The Spirit of Budo is simply the spirit of Japan's martial arts practice with strict standard without the influence of western culture or background with an ideology of pure Japanese origin. In order to keep the practice of Budo along with the different association of martial arts, the Japanese foundation created the " Japanese Budo Associtation." This organization waa established to unite all federations of martial arts originated in Japan and keep them as firm and strong organizarion.
The Japanese Budo Association started and was inaugurated in April 23, 1977 consiting of ten groups: the All Japan Judo Federation, all Japan Kendo Federation, all Nippon Kyudo Federation, the Japan Sumo Renmei Foundation, the Karatedo Federation, the Aikikai Foundation, the Shorinji Kempo Federation, the all Japan Jukendo Federation and the Nippon Budokan Foundation. The Budo Federation helps to promote contact and harmonious relations among members of different organizations and encourages the enhancement of the spirit of martial arts among these groups. In addition the association helps to stress the nurturing of healthy minds, bodies and strengths especially for the education of young people and contribute peace and welfare.
Objectives:
- Contact and harmony among federated organizations.
- Comprehensive plans and administration of martial-arts-related events.
- Comprehensive martial-arts-related study, research and collection of materials.
- Issuance of martial-arts-related publications.
- Preservation of old martial arts.
- Improvement of statues instructors.
- Awards for meritorious services.
- In promotion of martial arts responds to government inquiries, makes suggestions to government and related institutions and cooperates in implementing them.
- Other activities as necessary to achieve the preceding objectives.
The Japanese Foundation sharing the ideology of the Spirit of Budo to other countries. Currently they are having exhibits in the Philippines at the National Musuem. In this exhibition, audiences may learn about brief history of Japanese martial arts - from traditional battlefield combat techniques (Bujutsu) to popular sports or physical exercise tampering body and spirit (budo), though originals and reproductions of historical weapons such as bows and arrows, suits of armor, helmet and other material art gear. The exhibition also includes materials and photo panels of popular sports and physical exercise such as kendo, karate, judo, sumo, jukendo and more.
The exhibition consist of two parts: The first part (gallery 27) consist of reproductions and originals of historical weapon such as bows and arrows, suits of armor, helmets and so on are shown and the development and changes of the Japanese martial arts of the 8th century to 9th century are explained. Many of the ancient types of armor and weapons did not survived and became too fragile to be transported.
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Exhibits of historical weaponry and suits of armor in gallery XXVII |
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Replicas of historical bows and arrows |
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The Osaka Natsu Nojin Byobo (Folding Screen) Scenes from the summer of siege of Osaka castle |
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Helmet (Kawari kabuto) : Ichi-no-tani canyon The ichi-no-tani canyon was a famous site of ancient battle in the 12th century wars. This are the types of helmets worn. The shape of the cow or bull with it's full power visible at a glance, symbolized the strength of an animal. The helmet was made of paper and wood making it light and not as heavy as it may have appeared. These type of helmets were worn by the prominent warriors in the Osaka Natsu Nojin Byobo (Scene illustrated on the folding screen shown above). |
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Catfish Helmet A typical fashion of helmets in times of actual conflict. They were worn by multiple warriors and were adorned with gold and silver foil making it light to wear. Infront of the helmet is a shape of a dragon fly symbolized that it always goes forward and never turns back |
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Kawari Kabuto helmet with stag antlers and Kawari Kabuto false head These helmets were also used by prominent warriors in the Osaka Natsu nojin Byobo |
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Illustration of Bushi Date: unkown (end of 19th century) |
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Armor of Mogamido Haramaki type with Suji Kabuto helmet Reproduction: Miura Hiromichi Height: 150 cm This is a replica of Haramaki armor used during the Muromachi period. High quality of iron from Mogami area were used to make this well designed armor by the Mogamido Haramaki. Helmets were made from 12 hemispherical iron plates with half moon displayed in front making the warrior's insigna. |
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Armor of O-Yoroi type with Hoshi Kabuto helmet Reproduction: Takatsu Sousyarubi Jiyutsu Height: 150 cm This is a replica built with numbers of representative parts. The torso and the left side of the armor are made in series and the right side is not superimposed. The aperture is covered by waidate. The front is covered with hide to avoid arrow penetration and prevent catching the bowstring when engaged in horseback archery that extends from shoulder to sleeves. |
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Illustrated scroll of the sword (katana) Date : unkown (end of 19th century |
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The han-dachi sword mounting with paulowina leaf motif and ground of black lacquer containing ground mother-of-pearl Length: 103.5 cm |
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The Uchigatana sword mounting of red and lacquer Date: unknown (end of 19th century) Catfish decoration on the menubi (grip decoration) is a distinctive characteristic. The scabbard is a rather strange type of lacquer which was not for official use but desired for daily samurai use. |
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Sword mounting as "Higo-goshirae" of shagreen coated with black lacquer Date: unknown (end of 19th century) Length: 88.5 cm Type of sword used in the actual battle of Momoyama period in Higo no kemi (now Kumamoto prefecture). It has a shorter blade which is the characteristic of this sword with small guard. After coating with lacquer, the scabbard was polished to produce star-shaped patterns. |
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Uchigatana sword mounting of black lacquer Date: unknown (end of 19th century) Length: 101 cm |
The second part (gallery 28) deals with different organizations of bujutsu that originated from the 19th to 20th century and how the spirit of martial arts remains inherent among the Japanese nowadays.
The organizations of martial arts:
The Judo Institute
Inauguration: 1949
The Judo institute was founded by Kaho Jigoro (1860 - 1938). He was weak child and began training in the tradition of combat grappling art known as 'Jujutsu' in his youth, in order to become stronger. Koho developed a technique by consolidating different forms of martials and incorporated his own technique with the application of " Ju yoku go oseiso " (skillful application of flexibility to defeat strength). This technique was developed further into self oriented principle of "Ju" which is now known as "Judo." The Judo advocates the idea of the most efficient use of mental and physical power and " Seiryoku Zenyo " (maximum efficiency).
All Japan Kendo Federation
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Kendo practice gear |
Inauguration: 1952
Formation and Concepts:
The transition of skills of swordmanship (Kenjutsu) was vital for Japan's medivial warriors (bushi) or samurai who were dorned with magnificent suits of armor and engaged into mortal combats with their katana in the battlefield.
By the 18th century, the bushi developed bamboo swords (shinai) and protective gear (bogu) that resembled the a traditional armor. With these developments, trainees could engage into full combat, kenjutsu exercises and matches without the fear of injury. By the end of the Edo period, this full contact form of kenjutsu became popular not only among bushi but to commoners as well and was widely practiced.
After the Meiji restoration in 1968, the class distinction was abolished and bushi ceased to exist and with the introduction of the western weaponry, swords were no longer considered as tools for combat or battle. But the kenjutsu training with bamboo swords was carried on as a form of physical education. In 1911 the kenjutsu training was permitted to be carried out at the secondary-school level. The term 'kenjutsu ' (sword technique) was changed to 'kendo' (way of the sword).
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Early illustration of kendo |
Japan Karatedo Federation
Inauguration: 1964
Formation and Concepts:
The Japan Karatedo Federation was created to unify all various of karate groups since the karate has become an integral part of physical education culture. The JKF is a single organization representing mainstream Japanese karate world. It is made of various prefectural and regional groups, school, university and worker groups. The JKF also provides a common thread connecting these various groups and in addition, it also makes efforts to promote karate as a sport beneficial to humanity and society.
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Training items in Karatedo |
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Karate sport wear which is also used in aikido and Judo |
Characteristics:
Karate was developed in Okinawa as a form of self defense that utiluzes the whole body to execute thrust, strikes and kicks against aggressor. Since it's demonstration in tokyo in 1922, it became popular all throughout Japan.
All Nipon Kyudo Federation
Inauguration: 1949
Kyudo is the Japanese form of archery. The all Nipon Kyudo Federation is sanctioned by the Ministry of Sports, Science and Technology to promote promote the traditional culture of the Japanese archery (Kyudo) as a form of physical and spiritual exercise.
History and Concepts:
The Kyudo had continuously evolved since it was recorded. The bow was used in various of etiquette and rituals by emperors and counters. After the demise of the bushi, the kyudo was practiced as budo (martial way) with the depiction on educational principles. After the WWII, the kyudo regained it's popularity as sport and receational activity.
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Illustration of Kyudo used in early times |
Japan Sumo Renmei Foundation
Inauguration: 1952
Concepts:
Sumo is known to be the Japanese form of wrestling. It is probably one of the most popular sports. The Japan Sumo Renmei Foundation supervises amateur sumo wrestlers , helps to promote them as representatives of organizations and promote mind and body development among people.
History and characteristics:
Sumo is a competitive sports in which two wrestlers grapple with each other and strive to win by matching strength and technique. This sport originated thousands of years ago in the Nara and Heian periods. It was a court banquet sumo during the Kamakura and Mayoyama periods; in Edo period it was the imperial inspection sumo and presently it is known as grand tournament sumo.
There are three basic prohibitions: no bitting, no striking and no kicking. The bouts begin in a circular platform in which this system is a basic form dated way back from the 16th century (imperial inspection sumo). The winner is determined by two basic rules: 1) The first person to touch the ground with any part of the body other than soles of his feet loses. 2) The first person to be pushed out of the ring loses. The basic of sumo technique involves 'attack ' that is pushing and grappling.
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Illustration of Imperial Inspection Sumo during the Edo period |
All Japan Naginata Federation
Inauguration: 1955
Formation and Concepts:
After the ban was imposed on Budo in immediate post war era, this federation was inaugurated in 1955 to promote naginata as a modern martial art. Nagita is being practiced at many and senior high-school clubs. Membership is rapidly growing. Nagita tournament is held every year together with other national sports during the inter high-school championship.
The concept of naginata is to ultimately foster people with balance bodies and minds through training. The principles behind this is to encourage practitioners to cultivate minds, enhance their vitality, nurture their strength and present the japanese culture with the art of naginata.
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Naginata protective gear and training items |
History:
Naginata originated over 1000 years ago. It was a powerful weapon against horsemen and foot soldiers alike. It was utilized and refined from the the Nara period (710 - 784 AD). It was adapted initially by the bushi and later by sohei and buddhist monk. The naginata's length and weight made it an efficient weapon against the sword. It is a shafted weapon with length varied depending on personal request or battle condition. The striking feature was the blade mounted on the shaft in which the whole lenght varied from 5' to 8' with the circular execution made it as one of the most graceful and fluid of classical Japanese combat system.
There are several theories of the origin of naginata that is heavily debated but despite of the uncertainties of it's origin, it's well known fact that it was utilized in the battle by the 10th century. The naginata was proven to be a superb weapon for close-up fighting; it's sweeping acts of destruction were used to cut horse's leg and kill it's rider once the horse fell to the ground.
Naginata was also used by women to protect their famiky or when working in the fields when men were away; infact a woman who became well known with the use naginata was Itagaki.
The introduction of western weaponry in the 17th century had altered the battlefield strategies. Men started to use guns in combat and naginata gradually became readily used by women. During the Edo period, a time of relative peace in feudal Japan, Japanese women from the samarai families were required to master the naginata by the age of 18. By that time, naginata was considered essential part of woman's dowry. Today, naginata is still being practiced extensively after the WWII. Regardless of style, all naginata training has it's core goal of developin traditional respect and traditional etiquette through spiritual training.
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Early illustration of a woman doing the art of naginata |
The Shorinji Kempo Federation
Inauguration: 1947
Shorinji Kempo is a unique martial art that was founded in 1947 by Doshin So as mean of method of helping individuals to develop characters of quality. The teachings include technique of unifying different educational structures. It also include living happily in which body and mind are enhanced and done interactively with partners with the application of educational structure of being unified with implication of spiral and synergetic effect between them. The teachings of Shorinji jempo also include aspect of further growth of both physically and spiritually that has a significant impact to society.
History and Concepts:
This federation was established 1947 in a small town of Tadotsu, located in Shikoku and the founder was Doshinso (Kaiso). Doshinso wanted to help rebuild Japan after it's defeat in the WWII.
Kaiso acquired and developed a fighting technique inspired by an buddhist (indian kempo) now kown as daruma who left india and went to china 1500 years ago to spread the principles of buddhism. He ended up in songshah's shaolin temple now known as province of henan; his teachings of principles of buddhism and martial arts spread all over china.
In 1928 Kaiso travelled to china he learned the martial arts taught by the indian kempo. After the WWII, the people of Japan was placed in turbulence. Kaiso expressed his insight with " the person, the person, the person, everything depends on the quality of the person. " ("hito, hito, hito, subete wa hito no shitsu ni aru. "). He depicted that society is managed by humans and true peace comes from nurturing kindness, courage and sence of justice among people. This concept or experience made him decide to try to help rebuild their country by emphasizing the "harmonious teaching. " He returned to Japan in 1946. In 1947 he established the system of Shorinji Kempo in Tadotsu and began his teachings of what he had learned during his travel in China.
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Illustration of the Indian Kempo who was also known as Daruma who inspired the teachings, martial arts and principles of the Shorinjin Kempo |
The Aikikai Foundation
Inauguration: 1947
Formation and Concepts:
This foundation is the parent organizations of the development of Aikido and was officially sanctioned as the sole national association to oversee the promotion of Aikido by the Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The Aikikai predecessor was the Kobukai which was endorsed in 1940 by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The Kobukai was restructured in 1947 and applied to the Ministry of Education to be recognized as Aikikai Foundation. In 1960, the first Aikikai-sponsored Aikido demonstration took place in Yamano hall in Yoyogi city of Tokyo; since then it became a yearly event.
History and Concept:
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Founder of Aikido |
Despite of all hid mastery, he felt dissatisfied. He explored in the world of spiritual aspect just to know the deeper meaning of life. As he carried on his studies of martial arts, he assimilated budo traning with religious and political ideologies. This had lead him to form the modern art of Aikido in 1942.
All Japan Jukendo
Inauguration: 1956
Formation and Concepts:
All Japan Jukendo as a federation and a sports organization, seeks to promote diffusion of Jukendo and short-sword Jukendo, there by improving the people's physical condition and contributing to human development. June 1976, Jukendo was officially designated as a sport for People's Physical Education National Tournament and in 1977, the federation became a promoting organization for Japaneses Budo Association and as one of it's well organized nine martial art groups.
History and Characteristics:
Jukendo is also known as the japanese bayonet combat. This is the Japanese adaptation of the western bayonet combat system. This form of japanese martial art differs from judo, kendo, kyudo and so on. Shunam Takashima (1798-1866) introduced the bayonet combat to japan for the first time after he had studied western gunnery through dutch books and from dutch in dejima, nagasaki at the end of Edo period.
Takashima was the one who introduced the western weaponry to Japan. He imported guns and canons from the Netherlands and established the "Takeshima School of Gunnery" in 1835. When the opium war broke out in 1839, he influenced the shogunate on the defence of the western gunnery. Tadakuni Muzuno Rojo (head councilor of Tokugawa Shogunate) decided to observe the western gunnery. Takashima started training infantries with the bayonet in Tokumarugahara and was carried out in the public for the first time. This had lead to the development of "Takashima Ryu Hojutsu" and bayonet combat (1839-1867) The Japanese combat was improved with the application of japanese sphere combat techniques because the western combat style method was considered to be inefficient.
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Illustration of techniques of Jukendo |
The Nippon Budokan Foundation
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Insigna or logo of the Budokan Foundation |
Inauguration: 1964
This is the one organization that helps to unify all of the different organizations of martial arts. The Nippon Budokan Foundation serves as a venue of different martial art groups for activities, demonstrations and tournaments. If the Nippon Budo Association keeps to unify them all, the Nippon Budokan regulates them all. It's commitment is to make a strong bonds and communications of different martial art federations through a meaniful activities annually that will help promote peace and self motivation among their members. In addition, it will also help to preserve the traditional martial arts that has become a part of their culture that is being continiusly carried and passed on with pride and dignity.
Concepts:
The Nippon Budokan was founded for the purpose of encouraging diffusion among people especially young ones of the traditional martial arts and through martial arts training and refinement of mind and body to seek healthy development and contribute for the development of the nation.
Conclusion:
It was really interesting to realize that the history of martial arts of Japan that are now organized into different federations are from the actual skills and combat techniques used in the actual historical battles of the japanese during the early times and how they have preserved and passed on from one genation to another. It is also fascinating how the Japanese used these forms of martial arts as a means or tools to promote self discipline and enhancement of physical, mental and spiritual through rigid trainings and most of how they are used to promote peace and harmony and unity among society where in fact they were used in war during the old times - truly impressive.
As I observed these historical exhibits, I stopped in one corner and read the message of the Japan Foundation to the viewers. It was quite long and meaningful. It was the last part of the message that caught most of my attention.
" We hope that through this exhibition, the viewers will become aware not only with the history of the Japanese martial arts but akso of the people's aesthetic awareness and creativity and Japan's social history and Japanese way of thinking from a new angle. "
Well, I got the message and earned my respect for their culture. I am very impressed. Now I have learned the whole context of the so-called "The Spirit of Budo."
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The Philippine National Museum of Fine Arts |
The History of Japan's Martial Arts
Galleries XXVII and XXVIII, 4th Floor
National Museum of Fine Arts
National Museum, Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila
10 August to 30 September 2018
Tue to Sun, 10am to 5pm. Closed on Mondays
Follow http://facebook.com/jfmanila
Visit www.jfmo.org.ph
Sources:
www.jfmo.org.ph
www.kodokan.org
www.aikikai.org.jp
www.nipponbudokan.or.jp
www.jukendo.info.index.htm
www.naginata.jp
www.nihonsumo-renmei.jp
www.kyudo.jp
