Autumn is the season for sports in Japan, a time when various athletic competitions and games are held. Among the many sports enjoyed, the traditional Japanese martial arts of judo and kendo have long been popular.

Kendo is similar to fencing, and is based on kenjutsu, a martial art used by samurai when fighting with Japanese swords. Wearing armor-like protective gear, two people fight with bamboo sticks called shinai. Today, kendo is considered an excellent mental discipline, as it helps practitioners focus on ethics and Buddhism.

A world-renowned sport that is now a popular Olympic event, judo was developed in 1882 by Jigoro Kanoh, based on a traditional Japanese martial art called jujutsu. Kanoh promoted judo as a national sport to be used in physical education, and he was also instrumental in gaining international recognition for the sport, which culminated when judo became an official event at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. Today, the International Judo Federation (IJF) comprises 184 member countries and regions. Just as in kendo, mental training and courtesy are important in judo.

In Japan, not only are students hard at work training their minds and bodies in judo and kendo classes — young and old go to dojo (training halls) or local school gymnasiums to practice these enduring sports.

Children wearing typical kendo uniform, or bogu; at right is the face cover, or men.

High school judo tournament 2002

Rules of Judo

The following are from basic IJF Refereeing Rules of judo. These rules guide judges in making decisions in matches, and can also help viewers better appreciate certain moves and techniques in the sport.

IPPON
Nage-waza (throwing techniques):

Ippon is called when the dominant athlete throws the opponent; the following three points are required: opponent is thrown (1) with considerable speed; (2) with considerable force; and (3) on his/her back on the mat.

Katame-waza (grappling techniques):

Ippon is called when an athlete holds the opponent with osaekomi-waza (hold-down techniques) and opponent is unable to get away for 25 seconds after announcement of osaekomi, or when opponent gives up by signaling or saying "maitta" ("I concede").

YUKO: A weaker technique than Ippon or Waza-Ari; Yuko confers an advantage when the match is decided by the judge. Judge holds arm at 45 degrees.

WAZA-ARI: Two Waza-Ari equal one Ippon. Judge holds arm out horizontally.

KOKA: A technique weaker than Yuko. Judge raises hand in front of chest.

Links to More Information about Japanese Martial Arts:

All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF)

All U.S. Kendo Federation

International Judo Federation

(Photo Credits: Sekai Bunka Photo)