{"id":16958,"date":"2017-10-17T12:22:34","date_gmt":"2017-10-17T11:22:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=16958"},"modified":"2017-10-12T14:46:52","modified_gmt":"2017-10-12T13:46:52","slug":"budo-martial-arts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/17\/budo-martial-arts\/","title":{"rendered":"Budo\u0304 (Japanese martial arts): The Way of Peace"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>As well as being a busy InsideJapan tour leader, Hugh Cann has studied <em>budo\u0304<\/em>\u00a0(Japanese martial arts) for 40 years, and has experience of teaching\u00a0<em>aikido\u0304 <\/em>internationally. He gives us an insight into the fascinating history, and common misconceptions, of the practice.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16961 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/0-209x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"209\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/0-209x300.jpg 209w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/0-715x1024.jpg 715w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/0-394x564.jpg 394w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/0-720x1032.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/0-390x559.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/0-510x731.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/0.jpg 730w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 209px) 100vw, 209px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Types of Budo\u0304<\/h2>\n<p><em>Judo, karate, kendo, iaid\u014d, and aikido, ninjutsu<\/em> are the most\u00a0well-known Japanese martial arts. But there are a whole range, including\u00a0<em>ky\u016bd\u014d<\/em> (bowmanship), <em>s\u014djutsu<\/em> (spearmanship), <em>naginata-d\u014d<\/em> (halberd or glaive), <em>batt\u014d-d\u014d. <\/em>In fact, there are a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_Japanese_martial_arts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">myriad of other styles<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>History<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16974\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16974\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16974 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/armored-samurai-1-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"Samurai costume at Matsumoto Castle\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/armored-samurai-1-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/armored-samurai-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/armored-samurai-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/armored-samurai-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/armored-samurai-1-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/armored-samurai-1-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/armored-samurai-1-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/armored-samurai-1-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/armored-samurai-1-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/armored-samurai-1-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/armored-samurai-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16974\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Samurai costume at Matsumoto Castle<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One of the first things that might spring to mind when one thinks of Japan is samurai; the feudal-period warrior class in Japan. Originally, samurai needed to be proficient in many weapons, as well as in unarmed combat. They were expected to strive to the highest possible mastery of combat skills, to glorify either themselves or their lord. But over time, perfecting their martial skills became a way to achieve\u00a0spiritual goals.<\/p>\n<p>The development of combat techniques are intertwined with the tools used to execute them; skills often originated with ordinary farming or work tools such as a hammer or sickle. Isolated communities prepared to defend themselves from attack, or were simply press-ganged into a warlord\u2019s army.<\/p>\n<p>The history of Japan is somewhat unusual due to its relative isolation. Compared to the rest of the world, Japanese tools of war evolved slowly. It\u2019s not unreasonable to suggest that this afforded the warrior class an opportunity to study their styles of fighting and weapons in greater depth than other cultures.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16967\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16967\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16967 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2-510x383.jpg\" alt=\"Kyudo Pin by Asia on Kyudo on Pinterest\" width=\"510\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/2.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16967\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>\u00a9 Asia on Kyudo \/ Pinterest<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Meaning, and Etymology<\/h2>\n<p><em>Budo\u0304<\/em> (\u6b66\u9053) is a term that defines modern Japanese martial arts.\u00a0<em>Bujutsu<\/em>\u00a0(\u6b66\u8853) is another term that can be defined as the technique or science of war. It&#8217;s used interchangeably in English with the term &#8220;martial arts&#8221;. \u201cMartial arts\u201d, transliterated into Japanese would be <em>kakuto\u0304gi<\/em>\u00a0(\u683c\u95d8\u6280), which means \u201cfighting skills\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>To my mind, <em>bujutsu<\/em> is the martial art you practice, whereas\u00a0<em>budo\u0304<\/em> is the lifestyle you live and the path you walk by practicing\u00a0<em>bujutsu<\/em>. In either case, it is the use of the word war where the misunderstanding begins. Literally translated, <em>budo\u0304<\/em> means the \u201cMartial Way\u201d, but to the uninitiated it may be thought of as the &#8220;Way of War&#8221;. In fact, it means quite the opposite.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16968\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16968\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16968 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/3.jpg 500w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/3-300x295.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/3-390x383.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16968\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">\u00a9 The Wisdom Warrior<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Seated Samurai<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> Bushido -The Five Spirits of Budo<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The character <em>bu<\/em> (\u6b66) is clumsily translated as \u201cmartial\u201d. When the first Westerners watched martial arts practiced by Asians, they mistook the joy and enthusiasm of the training for a love of war. Relating the Western philosophical concept of the joy of warfare, they named the Asian fighting arts after the Roman God of war, Mars. Hence <em>bu<\/em> = \u201cmartial\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>In truth, the oriental concept is very\u00a0different from the Western concept. <em>bu<\/em> is constructed from characters meaning \u201carms of war\u201d or \u201cviolence\u201d, and \u201cto stop, prohibit, or bring to an end\u201d. Therefore, <em>bu<\/em> is more accurately translated as \u201cto stop violence,\u201d or perhaps \u201cto bring about peace&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, one should avoid violence where possible; you should instead use force as a way to foster peace. These are seen as ideals for the true martial artist.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe way of peace\u201d can be traced in part to the development of <em>bujutsu<\/em> during the Edo period. This was an unprecedented period of peace throughout Japan when duelling, or war in general, was banned by the Tokugawa military government. Occupation forces introduced a new constitution following the Japanese defeat in World War II. It contained clauses that renounce war and hostility for conflict resolution<\/p>\n<h2>Buddhism &#8211; Takuan Soho<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16976\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16976\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16976 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Musashi_ts_pic-510x740.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"510\" height=\"740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Musashi_ts_pic-510x740.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Musashi_ts_pic-207x300.jpg 207w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Musashi_ts_pic-768x1114.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Musashi_ts_pic-706x1024.jpg 706w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Musashi_ts_pic-389x564.jpg 389w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Musashi_ts_pic-720x1044.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Musashi_ts_pic-390x566.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Musashi_ts_pic-780x1131.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Musashi_ts_pic.jpg 813w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16976\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Musashi Miyamoto<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Throughout the feudal era, Buddhism had a profound influence on the warrior class and development of <em>bujutsu<\/em>. The Zen priest <a href=\"http:\/\/www.zenstoriesofthesamurai.com\/Characters\/TakuanSoho.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Takuan Soho<\/a>\u00a0(also credited with developing the pickle which takes his name), became mentor to some of the lords and great swordsmen in the early Edo period. This included Yagy\u016b Munenori, head of the Yagy\u016b Shinkage-ry\u016b school of swordsmanship, and teacher to two generations of shoguns.<\/p>\n<p>The novelised history of master swordsman Musashi Miyamoto actually features Takuan intervening in the village punishment of young vagabond Takezo. He is subsequently responsible for setting him on \u201cthe path\u201d to evolution (and eventually to Musashi Miyamoto), it&#8217;s an inspiring read!\u00a0Although there is not any actual evidence the two ever met&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Takuan\u2019s philosophy and thoughts are encapsulated in the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.alexandrosmarinos.com\/TheUnfetteredMind.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fudo\u0304 chishin myo\u0304ryoku<\/a> (\u4e0d\u52d5\u667a\u795e\u5999\u9332), loosely translated as &#8220;The Mysterious Records of Immovable Wisdom&#8221;. Written for the benefit of lay people, it avoids the use of mysterious Buddhist\u00a0phrases and terminology, instead it describes situations and follows them up with an interpretation. It applies Zen Buddhism to martial arts, and includes two personal letters written to Yagy\u016b Munenori. I would highly recommend it for anyone seriously studying <em>budo\u0304, <\/em>or\u00a0any styles of swordsmanship.<\/p>\n<h2>The Budo\u0304 Charter<\/h2>\n<p>During my time as an instructor in Australia, I found that the prime motivation to study martial arts was self-defense. Understandably, people increasingly feel the need for this, but if you have found yourself in an escalating conflict where you have to physically defend yourself, then you\u2019ve already lost the fight, so to speak. At this point you&#8217;re possibly risking injury and, more importantly, damage to your peace of mind &#8211; the most important thing of all.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16971\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16971\" style=\"width: 390px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16971 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/4.jpg\" alt=\"Hugh guest instructing in aikido dojo at Australian National University\" width=\"390\" height=\"508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/4.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/4-230x300.jpg 230w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16971\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Hugh guest instructing in aikido dojo at Australian National University<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In 1987 the Japanese Budo\u0304 Association was formed to uphold the fundamental principles of traditional <em>budo\u0304<\/em>. Member organisations include the Japan Karatedo Federation, the All-Japan Kendo Federation, the All-Japan Sumo Federation, the Aikikai Foundation, the Shorinji Kempo Federation, the All-Japan Jukendo (bayonette) Federation, and the Nippon Budokan Foundation. Together they drafted the Budo\u0304 Charter; six guidelines for the preservation of correct <em>budo\u0304<\/em> in modern martial arts:<\/p>\n<h2>(1) Object<\/h2>\n<p>The object of <em>budo\u0304<\/em>, is to cultivate character, enrich the ability to make value judgments, and foster the development of a well-disciplined and capable individual. All through participation in physical and mental training that utilises martial techniques.<\/p>\n<h2>(2) Training<\/h2>\n<p>When practicing daily, one must follow decorum, adhere to the fundamentals, and resist the temptation to pursue only technical skill rather than the unity of mind and technique.<\/p>\n<h2>(3) Attitude<\/h2>\n<p>In matches and in the performance of <em>kata<\/em>, one must manifest <em>budo\u0304<\/em> spirit. He must exert himself to the utmost, win with modesty, accept loss gracefully, and exhibit temperate attitudes at all times.<\/p>\n<h2>(4) The Do\u0304jo\u0304<\/h2>\n<p>The <em>do\u0304jo\u0304<\/em> is a sacred place for training one\u2019s mind and body. Here one must maintain discipline, proper etiquette, and formality. The training area must be a quiet, clean, safe and solemn environment.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>Hugh spent\u00a0ten years training in kung-fu and tai-chi, pa-qua, shin-i and chi-gung (internal styles of Chinese wu-shu). He has been a member of Aikido\u0304 Ki Society International-3rd dan (black belt) for 30 years, was a 1993 silver medalist in Japan National Shin-Shin-Toitsu Aikido\u0304 Championships, and holds a 3rd dan in Muso\u0304-shinden iaido\u0304.\u00a0He has taught aikido\u0304 at the National Institute for Dramatic Art (Australia), as well as a number of high schools, and alternative medicine colleges.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>*title characters drawn by Hugh Cann<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-half-width wp-image-16985\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hughs-group-at-Zenkoji-with-some-very-special-guests-1-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hughs-group-at-Zenkoji-with-some-very-special-guests-1-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hughs-group-at-Zenkoji-with-some-very-special-guests-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hughs-group-at-Zenkoji-with-some-very-special-guests-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hughs-group-at-Zenkoji-with-some-very-special-guests-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hughs-group-at-Zenkoji-with-some-very-special-guests-1-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hughs-group-at-Zenkoji-with-some-very-special-guests-1-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hughs-group-at-Zenkoji-with-some-very-special-guests-1-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hughs-group-at-Zenkoji-with-some-very-special-guests-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hughs-group-at-Zenkoji-with-some-very-special-guests-1-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hughs-group-at-Zenkoji-with-some-very-special-guests-1-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Hughs-group-at-Zenkoji-with-some-very-special-guests-1-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Make the most of Hugh&#8217;s incredible knowledge on\u00a0one of his small group tours.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/contactusJapan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get in touch<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F16958\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! As well as being a busy InsideJapan tour leader, Hugh Cann has studied budo\u0304\u00a0(Japanese martial arts) for 40 years, and has experience of teaching\u00a0aikido\u0304 internationally. He gives us an insight into the fascinating history, and common misconceptions, of the practice. Like this post? 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