What is martial arts-the concept of zanshin-

When you hear "martial arts," some people may have the image of judo or karate, or imagine kendo. In fact, none of them are wrong, but if you practice judo or kendo, you are a martial artist, but it may be a little different.

Here, we explain what is called martial arts, the main types of martial arts, and "Zanshin", which is an important concept for martial arts.

Types of martial arts

There are many types of martial arts in one word. Below is a brief overview of each of the nine types of martial arts that are generally considered "martial arts."

judo

Judo is one of the representative martial arts derived from "jujutsu". It was developed as a martial art in the Edo period, and it is a rule that the game is decided by judging "effective" or "one" by applying techniques such as "throwing technique" and "joint technique" to the opponent. Even before martial arts became a compulsory subject in junior high school physical education, it is a martial art that has been often adopted in physical education classes.

kendo

Kendo is also a martial art that is often experienced in school club activities and classes. Wearing armor and holding a bamboo sword, you will compete for victory or defeat in three games. It is also one of the martial arts that was developed as a samurai practice.

Kyudo

Kyudo is a martial art that has become popular since the Meiji era, and it uses a large bow to hit the target and compete for points depending on where it hits. The closer you are to the center of the target, the higher your score and the higher your concentration.

Sumo wrestling

This is the so-called "sumo", and it is a martial art that is made one-on-one with a mawashi in an enclosure called a ring. Since the temples and shrines that have been practiced since the Edo period have become popular, sacred rituals and rules still remain.

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Karate

The style of karate, in which you wear a dogi and work on a match, is similar to judo, but the history of karate is relatively new, and it is said that it was introduced from Okinawa to the whole country around the Taisho era. In judo, you compete for techniques such as "throwing" and "hardening", while in karate you also attack such as kicking and punching. Karate is more like a real battle, but in competition it is basically a "stop" that does not directly attack the opponent. It is also famous for individual events that show off karate kata alone.

Aikido

Aikido is also a martial art that can be easily confused with karate and judo, but it has the characteristic that there are no matches and only practice. The history of Aikido is newer than that of karate, and was established by the martial artist Morihei Ueshiba in the early Showa period. Aikido is also characterized by knowing how to move the body, regardless of physique, age, or gender.

Shorinji Kempo

Shorinji Kempo is often mistaken for Chinese "Shaolin Kung Fu", but it is a martial art that originated in Japan. It is said that Shaolin Kung Fu is an emerging martial art that was established in the early Showa period by Doshin So, a Japanese martial artist, but it can be said that it is a martial art that is more like judo. Probably.

Naginata

Naginata has the image of female martial arts, but it is said that what was initially male martial arts has changed to female martial arts. There are some things that are similar to kendo in that it is effective to wear armor and dogi and hit the "face" and "body" with naginata, but handling naginata over 2 meters is spectacular and is still popular today. It is one of the martial arts.

Iaido

Iaido is a martial art developed for samurai to master the sword-handling behavior. In the olden days, it was also called "sword-drawing technique", and by practicing the flow from pulling out the sword to putting it in the sheath, we will study the technique of the sword.

What is martial arts? The difference between martial arts and sports is "Zanshin"

Martial arts have some similarities to sports, such as physical activity and practicing to decide the outcome in a match, but it is clearly different from sports depending on whether or not there is a concept of "Zanshin". It is said.

When understanding Japanese culture and ways of thinking, there are cases where the words of foreigners studying Japanese culture can be a good reference for Japanese people. Based on the idea of Alexander Bennett, a martial artist and a university professor, I will explain the outline of "Zanshin".

Zanshin is the feeling of being alert to the "next attack"

According to Bennett, Zanshin is the feeling of staying alert, saying, "I don't know when an attack will come," even after deciding on a technique. The guidelines issued by the All Japan Kendo Federation also explain that Zanshin is "a posture and attitude that allows you to stay alert after a collision and respond immediately to any counterattack by your opponent." ..

For example, in kendo, if you make a fist and take a guts pose even after deciding one, it may not be recognized as an effective hit.

reference: Kansai University Homepage Professor Alexander Bennetti nterview

"It's not the zanshin that remains when you try to leave it."

Mr. Bennett seems to be disappointed with the recent trend of winning supremacy and winning a gold medal, and it is said that it is important to always maintain a normal mind.

The words of Mr. Sasaburo Takano, who is called the "father of modern kendo," also states that "Zanshin is to leave without leaving a heart," and do not think about unnecessary things and do not lose focus on hitting. It is said that the remnants will be fulfilled for the first time only by.

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In martial arts, it is important to respect the other person and to consider the courtesy.

The All Japan Kendo Federation states that "we will respect the personality of the other person and strive to give guidance that values courtesy for the development of rich human beings."Not only in kendo, but also in judo and sumo, this attitude is valued.

It can be said that if you acquire the attitude of zanshin, your sincere feelings of pursuing the martial arts will lead to respect for the other person and you will be able to calm your own heart. It is martial arts that attaches great importance to this spiritual part, and because it is different from general sports, it may attract people all over the world.

Summary

Generally, what is called "martial arts" includes judo, kendo, karate, archery, sumo wrestling, naginata, aikido, Shorinji kempo, and iaido. It also includes relatively new martial arts. Martial arts have a concept of "Zanshin" that is different from sports, and it has the characteristics that it is important to keep an eye on victory and defeat, to keep up with martial arts, to maintain a normal mind, and to respect the other person. There is.

This article is a partial re-edit of the article published in Nihongo Biyori by KARUTA.
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