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Both touched upon the nature of a practitioner of a traditional Japanese art and his/her authenticity, believe it or not. When it comes to the most classical of Japanese arts, such as koryu bugei (classical Japanese martial systems), …

If you have never heard about Japanese wood sculptor named Haroshi, go get the wind of his most original conceptual art. As a creator of amazingly beautiful wooden sculptures out of old, crashed and broken skateboard decks, …

Martial arts date back to hundreds of years ago. This form of fighting originated in different parts of Asia, mainly in China, Japan, and Korea. If you are planning on taking up a self defense program, it would be a great idea to study the different forms rooted from these countries so you can make an informed choice. Remember, every type has its own unique set of qualities and style that you would want to know more about before you take up self defense classes.

Korean Martial Arts

In Korea, the most popular fighting styles are taekwondo and hapkido. Both are effective self-defense forms, although it’s the former that flourished in the United States and in different western countries. Taekwondo became famous not only for its high kicks and defensive strategies but also for the teachings and philosophy surrounding it. Taekwondo and hapkido were first introduced in the United States after the Korean War. Today, taekwondo is a recognized competitive sport in the Olympics. Training in this martial art would require use of breaking boards and fast action kicks. You need to complete each training grade to be able to earn a belt. Hapkido, meanwhile, involves less kicking and more wrist locking and throwing.

Japanese Martial Arts

There are five different classifications of Japanese martial arts: karate, aikido, judo, kendo, and jujitsu. All of these fighting styles came from medieval Japan and were practiced by Samurai warriors. Soon, these fighting techniques became famous all over the world. In the United States, all these forms of fighting are taught and practiced in martial arts classes. What makes Japanese fighting style stand out is the straight line attack that it incorporates in its movements.

Chinese Martial Arts

If you ask people about Chinese martial arts, you’ll often hear the words, kung fu and Bruce Lee. That’s because kung fu is the most widely known Chinese martial arts fighting style and Bruce Lee is the most famous kung fu fighter whom even the generation of today knows about. Chinese martial arts began in 12th century and since then have branched out to several forms, with kung fu maintaining as the most famous form. The oldest forms started in Shaolin monasteries. Kung fu also has various styles and moves but it focuses on acrobatic moves and fighting techniques. Chinese fighting style emphasize on strength, balance, and weapon proficiency. Modern kung fu styles have emerged over the recent years. Some of which you’ll find in Hollywood movies starring Jacky Chan and Jet Li.

Self defense training is a complicated feat, which is why right from the start you need to make the right decision on which particular type of fighting form to undertake. After you’ve decided, you can buy self defense videos or go to martial arts training classes to pursue your aspiration. Make sure you choose a class or video that will give you the best kind of training. You may go online to check your choices on self defense videos or go around your location to find a worthy martial arts training school. Good luck!

He currently lives and works in Saitama, Japan and is represented by the Mizuma Art Gallery in Tokyo; he has shown steadily since his first show in 1990 at age 24. Armed with solid traditional Japanese painting techniques he paints …

Pointers for contemporary life gleaned from traditional Japanese culture.

Irezumi, one of the more traditional Japanese tattoo. Japanese Tattoo, Japanese Tattoo Design, Japanese traditional Tattoo Designs Japanese Tattoo, Traditional Japanese Tattoo, Traditional Tattoo Traditional Art Tattoo On Hand Full Body …

Jomon and Yayoi Period ca. 11,000 – ca. 250 BC

The earliest settlers according to archaeologists were a tribal people, the Ainu. By and by the Ainu people and their culture were forced to the Northern parts of Japan by the Jomon people (circa 11,000 – ca. 300 BC).

Around 660 BC, according to old legends and Chinese chronicles, Jimmu became the first emperor of Japan. Circa 350 BC the Yayoi people invaded Japan. Remnants from this period are pottery vessels and clay figures. Copper and bronze was used for weapons and god-fearing artefacts like bells.

Kofun Period ca. 250 BC – 552

The Kofun period is also called the Tumulus period or Haniwa culture. Haniwa is the name for a typical kind of clay sculptures found on tombs. Other known artifacts from this period are bronze mirrors. In 363 Empress Jingo conquered a part of Korea.

Asuka Period 552-645 and Nara Period 646-794

In 552 at the very beginning of the Asuka period Buddhism was brought from China to Japan. This had an assuring impact on the development of Japanese arts. It brought the influence of the advanced Chinese culture and new techniques in arts and architecture to Japan. In 604 the first Japanese act was introduced. It reflected the idea of the centralized rule exercised in China. By the 7th century Buddhism was fully assured in Japan

In 710 the city of Nara in the province of Yamato became the capital of Japan. During the Nara period – under the influence of Buddhism – Japan assimilated the style of the Chinese Tang dynasty. Many Buddhist temples were constructed – focused around the area of Nara.

Heian Period 794-1185

In 794 the capital was moved to Heiankyo (now Kyoto). During the Heian period a more classificatory Japanese art culture developed. Around 1005 Lady Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting to the Empress Akiko, wrote the tale of Genji Monogatari. It is believed to be the first novel in the world. It deals with the life and love adventures of Prince Genji, a kind of medieval womanizer.

In the 9th century the emperors began to retire from the business of governing the country. The Fujiwara family rose to power. During their rule, also called the Fujiwara period, Japanese arts and literature flourished.

Kamakura Period 1185-1333

In 1180 a fierce war broke out between the powerful clans of the Minamato and the Taira. After achieving final victory in the naval battle of Dannoura, the Minamato established a new government in Kamakura. In 1192 Yoritomo became the first shogun. The Kamakura shogunate represented the real power in the country until the resignation of the last shogun in 1867. The imperial court in Kyoto was downgraded to a purely titular power. The shift of power from the nobility to the class of the samurai warriors had its influence on Japanese arts. During the Kamakura period more realistic and popularized art forms emerged. The Japanese graphology and the Japanese tea ceremony were initiated.

In 1252 the Great Kamakura Buddha was constructed. The huge statue was part of the Kotokuin Temple of the Jodo sect. The Kamakura Buddha was originally housed in a great hall that was destroyed by a storm in 1369.

Muromachi Period 1333-1573

Kinkakuji Temple

Yoshitoshi Biography
by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
copyright protected
The Muromachi period is also called the Ashikaga period after the military clan that took airmanship of the shogunate. The residence was moved back to Kyoto, to the Muromachi district of the city. The history of Japanese art was marked by a move backwards to a more aristocratic character. Zen Buddhism achieved popularity in Japan and influenced Japanese artists and artisans. Many orders were placed for the construction and decoration of Zen temples.

The third shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, built the Kinkakuji temple (called the Golden Pavilion) and its gardens. During the Muromachi period, the art of intricate gardening and ikebana reached a high level of refinement in the history of Japanese arts.

The Kinkakuji temple was put on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List together with 17 other temples in Kyoto. In 1950 the pavilion was burned down by an insane guardian and was completely rebuilt.

Painting reached high artistic levels. The best-known painters are two monks, Shubun and Sesshu. Buddhist monasteries were very wealthy and powerful during this period.

Around 1543 the Portuguese Mendez Pinto came to Japan as the first European.

Surveying contemporary Japanese art via the Hara Museum collection.

Born in Osaka, Japan in 1942, Kiriyo Kuchina is recognised in producing the original Kiriyo-Ori, and her works of arts are created based on a traditional Japanese weaving form called Saganishiki. Traditionally, twisted paper was used as …

The webjapan.org site reported in March 2010, that many Japanese men are now showing interest in “sado”, the traditional art of the tea ceremony. Two manga comics featuring the tea ceremony have become bestsellers in recent years. …