Tokyo Weekender January 2017

AIKIDO
Derived at least partly from jiu jitsu, aikido is among the youngest of the traditional
Japanese sports. As the “ai” in “aikido” indicates, it focuses on peaceful
resolution of a conflict. Another big aspect is self-development. While aikido
is always practiced with a partner, there are generally no competitions, and
the movements are almost like a choreography. Aikido is great for a full body
workout – although beware there is a bit of throwing and falling involved,
so you might end up with a few bruises. It is much more predictable than
jiu jiutsu, though, so it allows the practitioner to reach a state of relaxation.
In aikido, the opponent’s power is used against him or her, which makes
it a good option for all ages and levels as superior strength is not required.
WHERE TO TRY IT Aikikai Foundation, www.aikikai.or.jp/eng/index.html
KENDO
Although this modern Japanese martial art,
which got its start in the 1800s but was only officially
named kendo in 1920, is mostly associated
with samurai-style sword fighting, kendoka
(kendo practitioners) use wooden swords
called bokken rather than sharp blades. As
etiquette plays an important role, every fight
begins and ends with an exchange of formal
bows. A kendo bout is only five minutes
long, and ends when one kendoka twice
strikes the other on a designated strike
zone (head, trunk, forearm, and the part
of the throat just beneath the chin).
A short yell, called kiai, is uttered each
time a strike is made. Besides improved
strength, endurance and overall
fitness, kendo sharpens the mind
and reactive abilities.
WHERE TO TRY IT
Tokyo Kyumeikan Kendo Dojo,
kyumeikan.info
KYUDO
With origins dating back to the Yayoi period (300 BCE
to 300 CE), Japanese archery was developed into the art
form kyudo during the Edo period. For many, a sign of
a good kyudoka is an aura of serenity, hence mental
training comes first, followed later by attempting
to hit the target, which stands 28m away from you,
and is only 36cm in diameter. If you hit the target,
everyone shouts “sha,” which means “arrow” or
“shot.” Interestingly, in Japanese archery, the
kyudoka always shoots two arrows in succession.
They rotate in opposite directions and can be
seen as a “female” and a “male” arrow. With its
focus on mindset, kyudo can be viewed as a
kind of moving meditation, and so is especially
recommended for those seeking a spiritual
way of training body and mind.
WHERE TO TRY IT Koto-ku Kyudo
Renmei, kokyuren.com/english.html,
or Shinjuku-ku Archery Association,
shinjuku-archery.com/index.html
IAIDO
This martial art got its start in the 1500s,
and is performed with a Japanese long
sword called katana. However, the focus
is not on combat but rather on being
present, aware, and being able to swiftly
draw one’s sword in order to respond to
a surprise attack. The iaidoka learns how
to react to an endless set of situations,
ending their motion with the re-sheathing
of the sword. In a way, iaido is more
about choreography and defense than
attack, with the focus being on the development
of a focused and clear mind,
calm nerves, and balance of the body.
WHERE TO TRY IT Isokai,
www.mugairyu.jp/english/index.html
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 27