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The All Japan Kendo Federation notes the precursor to the Japanese sword was wielded by a tribe in Tohoku, renowned for their mounted warfare. Iwate, specifically, has a deep samurai history tied to clans like the Nanbu and Fujiwara, who would have fostered martial traditions.
The Ryogoku Kokugikan is not just an arena; it's the spiritual home of sumo in Japan, standing as the sport's most iconic and revered venue. Located in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo, this purpose-built stadium hosts three of the six annual Grand Sumo Tournaments (Hatsu Basho in January, Natsu Basho in May, and Aki Basho in September), drawing massive crowds and creating an electric atmosphere steeped in centuries of tradition. Beyond the fierce bouts in the dohyo (ring), the Kokugikan also houses the Sumo Museum, preserving the sport's rich history, and features amenities like chanko nabe (sumo wrestler hot pot) restaurants, making it an essential pilgrimage site for both devoted sumo fans and those seeking to experience a fundamental piece of Japanese culture.
While boxing is not considered a traditional Japanese martial art in the same vein as Judo, Karate, or Kendo, it holds a significant and growing presence within Japan's diverse combat sports landscape, which highly appreciates and acknowledges various forms of fighting. The extraordinary rise of Naoya Inoue, "The Monster," has dramatically elevated boxing's profile across the nation. His unparalleled dominance, combining devastating knockout power with precise technique and unifying championships across multiple weight classes, has captured the imagination of the public, drawing immense viewership and positioning boxing alongside popular combat sports like kickboxing and MMA, demonstrating the country's deep respect for athletic excellence and combative mastery regardless of origin.
Judo, meaning "gentle way," is far more than just a sport in Japan; it's a modern martial art deeply ingrained in the nation's culture, emphasizing discipline, respect, and moral development alongside physical prowess. Developed by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century from traditional forms of jujutsu, Judo systematized techniques focused on throws, grappling, and joint locks, making it a globally recognized Olympic sport. Its core philosophy, "Jita Kyoei" (mutual welfare and benefit) and "Seiryoku Zenyo" (maximum efficiency, minimum effort), reflects a holistic approach to self-improvement that extends beyond the dojo, shaping character and fostering mental fortitude in its practitioners throughout Japan.