The Most Popular Martial Art in Japan, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the martial art you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:42
In a land steeped in tradition and physical discipline, the popularity of different martial arts varies significantly from one region to another. Gathering data on which martial art captivates the interest of the populace could provide insights valuable not only to practitioners but also to enthusiasts and beginners looking to start their journey.
By participating in the ranking process, users contribute their preferences and experiences, helping to shape a clearer picture of current trends in martial arts across Japan. This dynamic, user-driven ranking updates continually in response to new votes, reflecting the most current public favor and providing a unique, real-time snapshot of martial arts popularity.
What Is the Most Popular Martial Art in Japan?
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174votesKarate is originated in Okinawa and was heavily influenced by Chinese martial arts. It is one of the most popular martial arts in Japan and is practiced by millions worldwide.Karate is a traditional Japanese martial art that emphasizes striking techniques, such as punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-hand techniques. It is renowned for its dynamic and powerful movements, making it both a practical self-defense system and a competitive sport.
- Striking Techniques: Karate primarily focuses on striking techniques using punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-hand techniques.
- Forms (Kata): Karate practitioners learn and perform forms (kata) consisting of set movements, which helps to develop techniques, balance, and body control.
- Sparring (Kumite): Kumite involves supervised sparring sessions where practitioners apply their techniques against a partner or opponent, allowing them to practice timing, distancing, and strategy.
- Belts (Kyu/Dan system): Karate uses a colored belt ranking system (Kyu/Dan system) to indicate the proficiency and progress of practitioners.
- Physical Fitness: Karate helps develop physical fitness, including strength, flexibility, speed, and cardiovascular endurance.
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235votesJudo - developed in Japan in the late 19th century and is now an Olympic sport. It emphasizes throws and grappling techniques.Judo is a modern martial art that originated in Japan. It was developed by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century as a refinement of traditional jujutsu techniques. Judo emphasizes using an opponent's strength and momentum against them, making it suitable for people of all ages and sizes. It combines throws, pins, joint locks, and chokes to subdue and control an opponent.
- Origin: Japan
- Year of Creation: 1882
- Philosophy: Maximum efficiency, mutual welfare, and personal development
- Techniques: Throws, pins, joint locks, chokes, and strikes
- Belt System: Kyu and Dan system
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320votesKendo is a Japanese martial art that uses bamboo swords and protective armor. It is heavily influenced by samurai swordsmanship.Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on sword fighting using bamboo swords called shinai. It emphasizes discipline, honor, and respect, and is often seen as a way of life rather than just a physical activity. Kendo practitioners wear protective armor called bogu, which enables them to strike with full force while minimizing the risk of injury.
- Weapon: Bamboo sword (shinai)
- Armor: Bogu
- Etiquette: Strict code of conduct
- Strikes: Targeting specific areas of the body
- Kiai: Vocalization of spirit during strikes
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411votesAikido - developed in Japan in the early 20th century, it emphasizes the use of an opponent's energy against them.Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on using the opponent's energy and movements against themselves, rather than relying on brute force. It emphasizes blending and redirecting attacks, aiming to neutralize aggressors without causing harm. Aikido techniques often involve joint locks and throws, with an emphasis on fluid motion and maintaining stability.
- Philosophy: Harmony and non-aggression
- Joint locks: Utilizes various joint manipulation techniques
- Throws: Emphasizes throwing opponents off balance
- Non-resistance: Avoids clashing with an attacker's force
- Circular motion: Uses circular movements to redirect attacks
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514votesJapanese archery that emphasizes a spiritual connection with the bow and arrow. It has a long history in Japan and is still practiced today.Kyudo, also known as Japanese archery, is a traditional martial art that focuses on shooting a bow and arrow with precision and mindfulness. It originated from traditional Japanese samurai archery and has evolved into a respected form of martial art and a popular cultural practice.
- Weapon Type: Bow and arrow
- Purpose: Spiritual and meditative practice
- Target Distance: Approximately 28 meters
- Stance: Kai (open) or Hanare (release)
- Techniques: Hassetsu (eight stages of shooting)
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612votesSumo is a traditional Japanese sport that involves two wrestlers trying to force each other out of a ring. It is highly popular in Japan and has a long history.Sumo is a traditional Japanese martial art that is a form of competitive full-contact wrestling. It is characterized by two heavyweight opponents attempting to force each other out of a circular ring or to touch the ground with any part of the body other than the soles of the feet. Sumo is not only a sport but also deeply steeped in Japanese traditions and rituals.
- Weight classes: There are no weight classes in Sumo, and competitors can range from lightweight individuals to heavyweight giants.
- Ring or Dohyo: The competition takes place in a circular ring called the dohyo, made of clay and covered in sand.
- Tournaments: Sumo is organized into six major tournaments, or basho, held throughout the year in Japan.
- Traditional attire: Sumo wrestlers wear a specific, ceremonial outfit known as a mawashi, which is a loincloth made from silk.
- Sumo stable: Sumo wrestlers live and train together in communal training facilities called stables or beyas, under the guidance of a stablemaster.
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712votesNinjutsu is a martial art that was developed by the ninja, Japanese spies and assassins. It emphasizes deception and stealth.Ninjutsu is a Japanese martial art that focuses on stealth, espionage, and guerrilla warfare. It originated during the feudal era and was practiced by the shinobi, also known as ninjas. The art of Ninjutsu encompasses a wide range of skills including combat techniques, disguise, infiltration, and escape strategies. It places great emphasis on adaptability and using the environment to gain an advantage in combat.
- Origins: Feudal era, practiced by shinobi
- Focus: Stealth, espionage, and guerrilla warfare
- Techniques: Combat, disguise, infiltration, escape
- Adaptability: Emphasizes adapting to various situations
- Environment: Uses the surroundings to gain advantage
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812votes
Momotti · CC BY-SA 3.0Shorinji Kempo
Doshin SoShorinji Kempo is a Japanese martial art that was developed in the 1940s. It emphasizes both physical and mental training.Shorinji Kempo is a modern Japanese martial art that focuses on self-defense techniques and personal development. It was created in 1947 by Doshin So, who combined elements of ancient Chinese martial arts with his own philosophy of fostering peace and harmony through self-improvement.- Meaning: The name Shorinji Kempo translates to 'Shaolin Temple Fist Law'.
- Techniques: It includes strikes, kicks, joint locks, throws, and pressure point attacks.
- Philosophy: Emphasizes the cultivation of positive values, such as compassion, cooperation, and the pursuit of justice.
- Training: Practitioners focus on physical conditioning, mental discipline, and ethical principles.
- Uniform: Wears a white keikogi (training uniform) with a green belt.
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912votesIaido is a Japanese martial art that involves drawing a sword and quickly striking an opponent. It is heavily influenced by samurai swordsmanship.Iaido is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on drawing and quickly using a sword in response to a perceived threat or attack. It emphasizes precision, efficiency, and control of movement.
- Origin: Japan
- Primary Focus: Sword techniques
- Weapon Used: Katana (Japanese sword)
- Training Methods: Forms (kata) practice
- Emphasis: Mental presence and focus (Zanshin)
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103votesKenjutsu is a Japanese martial art that involves swordsmanship. It has a long history and is still practiced today.
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Ranking factors for popular martial art
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Historical significanceThe history and origin of the martial art in Japan play a significant role in its popularity. Martial arts with strong historical roots in Japanese culture and tradition may be considered more popular and respected.
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Presence in educationThe inclusion of a martial art in Japanese school curriculums or physical education programs can significantly impact its popularity. Martial arts taught in schools will likely have a broader reach and appeal to young people, making them more popular overall.
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Competitions and championshipsThe frequency and scale of martial art competitions held within Japan can also contribute to a martial art's popularity. Martial arts with more significant and higher-profile competitions may be more popular and prestigious.
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Media coverage and exposureThe amount of exposure a martial art receives in the media, including television, movies, and print, can also help determine its popularity. Those martial arts featured prominently in popular culture are likely to gain more recognition and popularity.
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International recognitionThe global standing of a Japanese martial art, including its popularity and recognition outside of Japan, may also contribute to its local popularity.
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AccessibilityThe ease with which people can learn and participate in a martial art can also impact its popularity. Martial arts with more accessible facilities, instructors, and classes may be more popular as a result.
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Training effectivenessThe practicality and effectiveness of a martial art for self-defense, physical fitness, or personal development may also be a factor in its popularity. Martial arts that provide effective training for real-life situations may be more valued and respected.
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Cultural and spiritual aspectsThe philosophical, spiritual, or cultural aspects of a martial art can also contribute to its popularity. Martial arts with strong connections to Japanese culture or spirituality could be more appealing to people who value these beliefs and traditions.
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Popularity among specific demographicsSome martial arts may be more popular among specific age groups, genders, or other demographics. Considering the popularity of a martial art among different groups of people can provide additional insights into its overall popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular martial art in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or martial art is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2080 views
- 203 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each martial art once every 24 hours. The rank of each martial art is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular martial art in japan
Japan is a country famous for its rich culture and traditions. One of the most notable aspects of Japanese culture is the martial arts. Martial arts have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries and have evolved over time to become an integral part of Japanese society. There are many different types of martial arts that originated in Japan, each with its unique style and techniques. Some of the most popular martial arts in Japan include Karate, Judo, Aikido, Kendo, and Sumo. These martial arts have gained worldwide recognition and are practiced by people of all ages and backgrounds. In this article, we will explore the most popular martial art in Japan and delve deeper into its history and significance in Japanese society.
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