When deciding to start a Japanese Martial art, it is fundamental to understand the historical background of it.
Many people is convinced, for example, that the techniques studied today in Iaido, Kendo, Jujutsu and most Koryu (ancient arts) are derived from battle knowledge and experience, but this is very far from reality! The period of Japanese History before the Edo period (1600-1868 AD) was quite different than what we envision: it was a period of semi-constant war, mostly between different clans and areas of Japan, and only occasionally abroad. Spanning roughly from 1333 AD until 1600 AD (divided in Muromachi and Azuchi-Momoyama periods) field battle was the main activity of the warrior caste, the Samurai. They were mostly wearing full armor and were wielding larger and longer swords, often held with the edge side down or mounted on their backs. Of this period, very few martial arts remain, and they still mostly practice in full armor, and their purpose is mainly conservation of history and knowledge in festivals and events during the year. It was only in the Edo period, with the "Pax Tokugawa" in place that the dueling Samurai, dressed in normal clothes, had the time and will to focus all his warring energies in studying, developing, teaching and training in the Art of the Sword. And this was no more for "war" or "battle" purposes, but mainly for spiritual and self-growth reasons; most of the Koryu we see today derive their roots or most of their development in this period. Most of the techniques derived from realistic everyday life situations, on the street, in the tavern, in the market, escaping an assassination etc. etc. and while the biggest and foremost purpose was still effectiveness and survival, also body control and elegance, as a side effect, were looked for. By the end of the Edo period, and especially after, during the Meiji Restoration the everyday life fighting skills were suddenly even less relevant and sporting forms like Gekkiken (precursor of Kendo) were developed, mainly to entertain people and letting the now unemployed Samurai earn their living. A greater focus started to emerge in the early 1900s and until the War towards hand-to-hand arts as a practical self-defense method, while sword arts became Budo, more philosophical ways of self improvement, like Kendo and Iaido. In the period after the Second World War, Sword arts and most martial ways were banned, and when they were reintroduced they had more of a "sporting" accent on them - by design, in an attempt to reduce the fervent nationalistic spirit of the Japanese people. Nowadays there is a feeling in many of us that the "sporting" accent is something too much focused on, and this explains the renewed interest in Koryus and in non-competitive arts in general. There are great pros, and great cons, in the competitive aspects, and it is a very difficult matter to discuss. But if we will focus on training in a disciplined, realistical and effectively focused way, we will manage to keep that Budo spirit alive; if we will think about Martial Arts in the same way we do about Table Tennis, then there are surely better ways to invest our time, effort and sweat in.
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