Japan can be considered fairly athletic in that there is a

lot of interest with different sports. Soccer and baseball

are arguably the most popular sports in Japan, and one
of the most widely watched. However there are so many
more sports and activities, many of them traditional to
Japan that are still praticed even today. There are also
many modern spins on traditional sports as well as
sports that have been influenced by others.
If you travel to Japan, perhaps you too can
experience one of these sports firsthand whether
it's just observing or actually doing!
SUMO
One of the most famous and well-known of the Japanese sports is sumo.
Sumo is essentially a wrestling sport, but the rules are a bit different from
western style wrestling. Usually the match begins when both wrestlers put
both hands on the ground, and ends when one player is pushed out of the ring
or any part of their body other than the soles of their feet touches the ground.
The match also will end if any sumo wrestler loses the loincloth around their
body, mawashi, as the wrestler becomes disqualified when that
happens. Although many people tend to look at sumo as fascinating but
comical, there is actually a very serious element to sumo wrestling, and it is
highly esteemed and respected.

Sumo wrestling has religious elements as its origins are founded in Shinto
tradition. However, it's not as strongly tied to Shinto as it once was, although
you can still see a lot of its influence in sumo traditions. Many people don't
realize that sumo wrestling also tends to be rigid in its rules and discipline, and
sumo wrestlers must follow strict rules that are set on them including things
like diet and dress code. Sumo wrestlers often reside in places
called heya where they train and learn strict discipline, and there is also often
a hierarchy that influences how each wrestler is treated and the chores they
must do. As there are rankings in sumo between the wrestlers, the top
wrestlers acquire a celebrity like status and are treated as such.
There are only six official tournaments a year, and they tend to sell out as they
are a popular spectator sport. If you miss out on getting tickets to the official
tournaments, you can also attend and watch a sumo training session as an
alternative option. If you really want to get into the spirit of sumo, you can also
try a traditional sumo dish called chanko nabe!

!
KENDO
Kendo, "the way of the sword", is another traditional sport in Japan.
Essentially similar to fencing, kendo has its influences in sword practices of
the samurai. Kendo came from kenjutsu which is a type of sword-based
training and fighting that came from samurais. Kendo is a martial art
that typically uses wooden/bamboo swords, not real metal swords. Two
opponents wearing protective armor and black hakamas will "duel" against
each other using various sword techniques.

An interesting thing about kendo is that often times kendo will be offered as an
elective or optional sport in schools in Japan. If you ever go a Japanese
school, you might just see some students practicing kendo with their full
uniform on. It has a long significant history in Japan, and continues to prevail
as a major cultural activity within the martial arts.
JUDO
Judo, "the gentle way", is another martial art that has also become globally
known due to its presence in the Olympics. Judo is a form of wrestling that
runs on the principle of self-defense. In judo, an opponent's force is used as
directive for each move. By redirecting an opponents force, their strength can
be used against them to defeat the opponent. However, many of the same
moves of jiu-jitsu are still applied to judom but there is more of a focus on
throwing moves amd ground fighting techniques. One of the goals of judo is to
unbalance the opponent.
Judo focuses on maximizing efficiency and also applying the principles of it to
your own self. Judo was derived from jiu-jitsu but was modified to focus more
on character building and make into a less dangerous sport. However, judo
does have its dangers as well, and the rules have often been changed in an
effort to make it more safer.
YABUSAME
Yabusame uses the Japanese art of archery and does it on horseback. Being
able to shoot a bow and arrow on horseback was done in samurai battles, and
was a highly esteemed skill to have. During the time of samurai battles,
samurais would aim to hit their target while going full speed on their horse. In
modern times. the aim of yabusame as a sport and martial art is usually to be
able hit targets while moving. Demonstrations are held in shrines and temples,
and sometimes during festivals. Some places in Japan even allow people to
try it through a class!
There's no denying that it definitely is a cool sport to learn!

AIKIDO
Aikido is yet another martial art sport in Japan that works with defensive
manuevers that is closely linked with philosophy and principles. The concept
is similar to judo, with the aim being to redirect an opponents, but the
philosophy tends to be different. Aikido also has its origins in jiu-jitsu but
focuses more on a peaceful approach of harmlessly redirecting attacks. Aikido
is purely defensive and is not supposed to have any attack maneuvers, other
than moves done for distraction. Aikido perhaps has the most non-violent
philosophy comapred to judo.
KARATE
The last on our list of some traditional Japanese sports is karate. Karate is yet
another martial art on our list, and also one of the best known out of the
martial arts. Karate uses striking maneuvers of the hands and feet.

Karate originated in Okinawa and has its origins in Chinese martial arts.
Karate now is a global phenemenon, and many are familiar with it or have at
one point taken classes. Karate has evolved a bit from the original one of
Okinawa, and has some noticeable differences.

Like with mant Japanese martial arts, there is a strong philosophy behind the
art. Karate also has different levels that you graduate from as you move
higher in the ranks. Karate continues to be popular, and is still practiced today.