The Spirit of Budo: The History of Japan’s Martial Arts

[GeneChing]

Hopefully we can get a review here like we did for Lords of the Samurai at the the San Francisco Asian Art Museum. Anyone in Malaysia this summer?

Friday June 15, 2012
Japanese martial arts exhibition now at National Museum

Many of us in Malaysia are familiar with martial arts such as silat, taekwondo and kung fu. But how many of us know about martial arts from Japan.

The Japan Foundation together with the Department of Museums Malaysia are giving everyone a chance to gain insight into the Japanese martial art of Budo.

An exhibition of “The Spirit of Budo: The History of Japan’s Martial Arts” is being held this month and July.

This exhibition offers a close-up look at various historical weapons such as bows and arrows, helmets and suits of armours.


Elegant: A golden horn feature prominently on this Budo headgear.

Through this exhibition, viewers will travel back to the history of Japanese martial arts with emphasis on battlefield combat techniques (bujutsu) to popular sports or physical exercise tempering body and spirit (budo) in contemporary Japanese society.

The exhibition is held at the National Museum’s Gallery 2 from now until July 3. Admission is free.

Budo has its origins in the traditions of Bushid – the way of the warrior.

Budo, is a time-honoured form of physical culture comprising Jud, Kend, Kyud, Sum, Karated, Aikid, Shrinji Kemp, Naginata and Jukend.


Intimid ating: The Mogamid haramaki type of armour with suji-kabuto helmet.

Practitioners study the skills while striving to unify mind, body and technique; develop character; enhance sense of morality; and to cultivate a respectful and courteous demeanour.

Practised steadfastly, these admirable traits become intrinsic to the character of the practitioner.

The Budo arts serve as a path to self-perfection.

This elevation of the human spirit will contribute to social prosperity and harmony, and ultimately, benefit the people of the world.

For details, call 03-2267 1111 (National Museum) or 03-22846228 (JFKL)

[GeneChing]

Wait...reproductions?

‘Spirit of Budo’: The history of Japanese martial arts goes on display
By Myra Iqbal
Published: November 13, 2012



Reproductions of bows and arrows, elaborate helmets, armoury and swords are all being showcases at the exhibition. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/EXPRESS

While Pakistan’s exposure to Japanese martial arts tends to be limited to Star World’s samurai movie re-runs, “Spirits of Budo” renders a clearer picture for people.

The exhibit, which opened at the National Arts Gallery at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Monday, features reproductions of bows and arrows, elaborate helmets, armoury and swords traditionally used in budo — the Japanese word for martial arts.

The first day of the exhibit attracted a crowd of nearly 60 people, who could be seen leaning close to the glass to admire the intricate pieces. A viewing area was created for visitors to watch a video demonstration of different forms and moves of martial arts.

Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Oe, while addressing the guests, said the exhibition aims to educate people about “the aesthetic awareness and creativity of the Japanese people.”

Carefully taking in the inscriptions and delicate carving on a sword, Mrs Sajjad was awed by the grandeur of the exhibit. “The Japanese are such artists,” she commented. She said even though the exhibit focuses on armoury and weapons once used for warfare, the beauty of the objects is overpowering.

“You just want to put these hats on and take photographs,” she said with a laugh, pointing to a display of unique-looking helmets.

Martial arts, which remain an inherent part of Japanese culture as a healthy exercise of the mind and body, were used as a means of defence in the eighth century.

Students of Japanese department at National University of Modern Languages were thrilled to see the weaponry and art popularised only on television.

“This is an educational opportunity for us,” said Mian Tamseel, speaking for his group.

The exhibition, which runs till November 23, is coinciding with the Kurosawa Film Festival being held by the Japanese embassy at the PNCA.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13th, 2012.