Martial Arts

Two major martial arts evolved in Japan, the bujutsu ´boo JUHT sooª, or "ancient martial arts," and the budo, or "new martial ways." Although their philosophies differ, both schools are based on spiritual concepts found in Zen Buddhism and Shinto. Bujutsu emphasizes combat and willingness to face death as a matter of honor. It contains the philosophy and techniques of the Japanese samurai warriors and includes such arts as jujutsu ´joo JUHT sooª and karate-jutsu ´kuh RAH tee JUHT sooª.

Budo, which started during the late 1800's, focuses on moral and aesthetic development. People who practice budo seek to avoid conflict and use martial arts only as a last resort. Karate-do, judo, and aikido are forms of budo.

Another martial art that developed in Japan is ninjutsu ´nihn JUHT sooª, which means "the art of stealing in," or espionage. People who practice ninjutsu are called ninja. Mountain mystics developed ninjutsu in the late 1200's. At that time, ninja were masters at all forms of armed and unarmed combat, including the use of disguises, bombs, and poisons. Although the rulers of Japan banned ninjutsu in the 1600's, the ninja practiced it secretly and preserved its techniques. Ninjutsu gained international interest in the mid-1980's. Today, ninja practice their art not as espionage, but as a traditional martial art with a nonviolent philosophy