Traditional martial arts are continuous living art forms that sustain the warrior ethic primarily supported through the spiritual belief of Eastern religious systems. Due to the many years of conflict in Japan, the earliest peoples of the island cultivated an interest in the study of weaponry and combat.
Over time, traditional samurai martial arts evolved into reliable self-defense techniques. In the modern world, they are used to promote educational principles that include moral, spiritual, cultural, and physical development. From initially accessing the training from shrines and physical institutions, its applicability has been extended to virtual services and self-training.
The history of traditional samurai martial arts
There are two primary warrior systems training ideology and skill criteria. The first system unfolded during the Sengoku Period, Asuka, Nara, Heian, and Kamakura periods and later became the main public paramilitary force of the ruling government, Bushidan, unless he was a member or trader of the Hinin, a caste of the lowest, next to last, most polluted class in his society.
Koryu Bujutsu was the second. This system addresses a transformation from warrior culture to that of budo relegating Eishin-ryu iaido, separate from dueling skills. He was a renowned 31st headmaster of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, also the founder of Aikido, often cited as a modern model for a ‘Budoka of Sengoku budo’. His historic achievements are held in many public venues, located in Hokkaido, more recently in the Aiki Shrine set on the grounds of Takeda’s place of birth. Also, many videos and books are available to illustrate his waza in Aikido and Daito-ryu Jujutsu. This martial art clearly illustrates its unique relationship between the warrior culture of the samurai, the influence of the cosmic relationship between warrior life and budo, performance of iai-jutsu in sword practice, as viable armed and unarmed combative systems.
Institutions that offer traditional Samurai martial arts
- Noma Dojo
Noma Dojo is a training facility that was established in the 18th century to act as a historical standing ground for the development of Kendo. Since its establishment, the facility acted as a training facility and as the source of spiritual, physical, and emotional development for many people.
Traditionally Kendo takes the same place as Kenjutsu as the way to teach swordsmen and women the reality of combat. Noma Dojo not only acted as a training ground, but also as a source of knowledge and expertise, inviting tourists from across the world to explore kendo which stands out as a unique commercial art.
- Aiki Shrine
The Aiki Shrine located in Tokyo offers a spiritual jurisprudence to people who practice the martial art of Aikido. The shrine is held with so much regard since it is believed to have been the training ground of the co-founders of Aikido. The shrine stands as a testament to the principles and values that govern the art of Aikido which include, patience, humility, perseverance, and teamwork.
Aikido shrine not only acted as a place of training but also as a source of knowledge and expertise, inviting tourists from across the world to explore kendo which stands out as a unique commercial art. The shrine acts as a museum in the current world, embodying different artifacts and books bearing the history of Aikido.
- Kodokan
Kodokan is famously known as a facility for training people who participate in the art of Judo. The facility has developed from being a training facility to being a historical cornerstone in Japan. It bears a rich history and heritage of Judo which not only develops Japan as a country but also acts as a tourist attraction site for tourists from various parts of the world.
Other ways that one can learn samurai martial arts
- Hiring out independent trainers
For a shorter learning period and a personalized experience, one can opt to hire an expert in Samurai martial arts. The experienced instructors will help you offer you personalized training and help you gain insights into the techniques, principles, and philosophy of martial arts.
- Online resources
With the advancement in technology, there are various institutions that are offering martial arts to various interested participants from the comfort of their homes.
- self-education
With the help of online resources and traditional books in makoto swords, one can learn basic techniques of handling Samurai martial arts.
- Watching traditional practices and ceremonies
Yearly, several countries across the world do traditional ceremonies where experts in traditional samurai martial arts show off their skills. During the practices and ceremonies, the people presenting are normally experienced in the art which makes it easy for the audience not only to enjoy the shows but also to learn a thing or two.
In addition, as a way of learning, some training institutions and facilities allow visitors to observe their training sessions. Through observation, one can appreciate the art of samurai martial arts and learn something about the art.
Values cultivated from learning Samurai Martial arts
The values learned from the Samurai Martial arts include;
- Humility
- Discipline
- Respect
- Perseverance
- Coordination and teamwork
- Fighting spirit
How to identify the right traditional samurai martial arts institution
The choice of martial arts institution determines the experience and the level of training that one gets. It is therefore essential that one considers the following factors before identifying the right Dojo.
- Conduct a proper research
Identify the right martial arts institution that offers the type of martial arts that you are interested in.
- Pre-visit
If you intend to attend a physical traditional Samurai arts institution, you should conduct a pre-visit to familiarize yourself with the environment and check whether the teaching techniques match up with your preference.
- Inquire
Traditional martial arts being a foreign concept makes it so difficult for people to be familiar with its concept. To help out with the inquiries, the training facility or institution should be able to handle all your concerns regarding the art.
Conclusion
The history of traditional samurai arts can be traced back to time memorials when they were only used in war. With time, they evolved into reliable self-defense techniques. in the modern world, they are used to promote educational principles that include moral, spiritual, cultural, and physical development. From initially accessing the training from shrines and physical institutions, the scope of its applicability has been extended to virtual services and self-training.
By taking into consideration your needs and preferences, conducting detailed research, doing pre-visits, and asking questions you are guaranteed a fulfilling experience in the world of traditional martial arts.